Nehemiah 4-7

May 24

Nehemiah 4-7

Sometimes we know we are doing the right thing because of the opposition we face. Sanballat and Tobiah ridiculed the Israelites as they worked on the wall. They tried to discourage them psychologically. They tried to make them think that they did not have the skills needed to restore the wall. Nehemiah prayed that God would return their insults back upon themselves and encouraged the people to keep working. The people worked with all their heart. They may not have had the skills of some, but they had hard work and committed hearts.

When their psychological warfare did not work the opposition turned to force. They made plans to fight against Jerusalem. So the Israelites prayed and posted a guard day and night. But the work was difficult and the added stress of knowing that at any moment the enemy may attack had its toll on the people. Nehemiah stationed more men to protect the workers and told them; “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.”" (Nehemiah 4:14, NIV) Sometimes we need weapons to protect us and boldness from God to help us stand strong for what is right in the eyes of God.

The people continued to work while at the same time others carried weapons to protect them. Nehemiah continued to remind them that God would fight for them. Though God walks with us, though He leads us, we also have to step up and work with Him. He did not build the wall, but He worked with the Israelites as they built the wall.

Opposition came within the community as the wealthy people took advantage of the poor. When we try to work for God we never know where the opposition will come from. The Adversary will use whatever means are available to try to stop our work. Nehemiah reminded the people of God’s grace and their responsibility to one another. He challenged the people to work together to bring unity so the wall could be completed.

When we try to live for Jesus, when we seek to fulfill God’s call on our lives, we will face opposition. “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you." (John 15:18-19, NIV) The world hung Jesus on a cross for pursuing His purpose. We can expect it to oppose our pursuit of God’s call on our lives. “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you." (1 Peter 4:12, NIV)

We are not called to a challenge free life, but a life of perseverance as we fix our eyes on Jesus and his calling on our lives. Our reward comes as we walk in obedience to Him in spite of the opposition around us.