Opposition

August 4

Nehemiah 6-7

Psalm 88:13-18

Proverbs 19:21-23

I Corinthians 13

Opposition

“So, the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth day of Elul, in fifty-two days.  When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God.”  Nehemiah 6:15-16 NIV

In our readings for the last few days, we have seen that Nehemiah has faced opposition to rebuilding the wall in Jerusalem.  Sandballot and Tobiah started causing trouble from the first day that he got to Jerusalem.  Unfortunately, this is not unique to Nehemiah’s situation.  When we are doing God’s will and are accomplishing His purposes, opposition is inevitable.  Satan cannot sit idly by while we carry out God’s plans.  Opposition can be disheartening.  It can make us question what we are doing and wonder if we are following God’s plan.  In those times, it is imperative that we are in constant communication with God. Throughout the whole process of building the wall, Nehemiah prayed. He sought God every step of the way.  He was not fooled by their intimidation because he was listening to God instead of listening to his fears and anxiety.

Sanballot and Tobiah requested a meeting with Nehemiah, but he refused.  He had a job to do and would not be distracted.   One of Satan’s most effective tactics against us is distraction.  When he knows we have a job to accomplish for God, He tries to distract us to take our attention away from what we are supposed to be doing and onto something less important.  Nehemiah recognized that they were attempting to take his attention off rebuilding the wall and he refused to meet with them.  He also recognized that Shemaiah was a false prophet because he was trying to convince him to hide in the temple.  Nehemiah knew that God would never ask him to do something that is contrary to His Word, so he refused.  Our only defense against Satan’s lies and distractions is staying grounded in the Word and staying in constant communication with God so He can give us wisdom and discernment.  Opposition is inevitable, but how we deal with it determines whether Satan will be able to distract us from our mission.