“But it came to pass, that when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the walls of Jerusalem were made up, and that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very wroth, And conspired all of them together to come and to fight against Jerusalem, and to hinder it.” Nehemiah 4:7-8

We can always expect opposition when we seek to accomplish work for the up building of God’s kingdom. After the exile and return of the Jews to Jerusalem, God used Nehemiah to guide Judah in rebuilding the city’s walls and in reordering the people’s social and economic lives; however, he faced numerous accounts of the enemy’s strategic plan to stop the rebuilding of the wall.

Nehemiah faced ridicule and the threat of attack from Judah’s neighbors. He also found injustices in Judah that delayed the work. His enemies commented “Can they bring the stones back to life?” Nehemiah 4:1-5. The stone in Judah is a soft limestone, when fired all moisture evaporates and even massive stones crumble into dust. The very idea that Nehemiah might “bring the stones back to life from those heaps of rubble” amused the surrounding people; they openly ridiculed the Jews and joked about their efforts.

Ridicule can be discouraging, especially when we undertake a difficult and heartfelt task. Nehemiah’s response serves as a guide for dealing with ridicule. He prayed that God would “turn their insults back on their own heads” Nehemiah did not argue or defend his calling, he knew that God could bring success and silence any ridicule directed his way. We too must stand tall in the face of opposition and persevere to accomplish the work that God has given us to do.

Here are some lessons we can learn from Nehemiah:

1. Seek God in prayer to alleviate the pressures induced by the enemy.
2. Stay vigilant and refuse to be sidetracked by attempts to stop our progress.
3. Continue to review our plan of action and remain committed until it is complete.
4. Solicit faithful and responsible fellow believers for help when we need it the most.
5. Recognize the real enemy, Satan and his demonic forces are the ultimate culprit.
6. Find comfort and strength in the knowledge that God will give us the victory.

We will always be tempted by opposition in kingdom building, may we be found faithful to answer the temptation as Nehemiah did “We have work to do, and must not neglect it.” We must never allow ourselves to be overcome by the onslaughts of the enemy; instead, when we are attacked with temptation, let us resolve to focus on the will of God.

Nehemiah understood the ultimate purposes of those who opposed his rebuilding of the wall. We must never negate being used by God for fear of those who have hidden agendas to thwart His work in and through us; Nehemiah lifted up his heart towards heaven for help. “For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.” Nehemiah 6:9.

In our Christian work, when entering any service or conflict, we should do likewise, Temptation that draws us from our duty should serve to actually push us closer towards it. The word admonishes us “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”   I Corinthians 15:58.

Blessings and have a magnificent day…remain steadfast and committed to your calling!