Opposition to Building Walls

Has God ever given you an assignment that you were so excited about you shared the idea with others so they could be excited too? Even join in on the work of the assignment? Did it go so smooth and problem-less? Or did you hit some snags?

Yeah, it happened to Nehemiah too. After the Babylonian captivity, the temple had been rebuilt (also with opposition to the work) and now the wall around Jerusalem was also being repaired. As I was reading chapter 4 in my chronological Bible plan recently, I was reminded once again that God’s work will be opposed. The enemy is always watching for ways he can stop Kingdom work. Take a minute to read that chapter.

The Israelites were mocked…”Do you really think you can complete the wall? It’s so weak a fox climbing on it would cause it to crumble.” Ever been mocked like that? “You can’t finish that.” “It won’t last.“

But Nehemiah went directly to God with the issue…then continued the building project. So the the next the enemies plan to battle it out with the Israelites. So what do the Israelites do this time? They prayed and stationed guards at the wall for protection. To counteract the fear of being attacked, Nehemiah told the people, “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the great and awe-inspiring Lord, and fight for your countrymen, your sons and daughters, your wives and homes.” (Nehemiah 4:14)

I love how the laborers carried the loads with one hand and held a sword with the other. What a picture for our work today…working hard with our “sword” of the spirit in our hand. God’s truth gives us the power to be obedient to His calling to serve Him. We can proclaim as the Israelites did in verse 20, “Our God will fight for us!” Rather than run from the problem, Nehemiah prayed as he sought a solution.

If you look ahead to Nehemiah 6:15 you will see the wall was completed in a record 52 days! Only God could do that. Israel understood that and in Nehemiah 12 you see thanksgiving and the celebration, not of their work, but of God’s. Only He deserved the glory for it. Without His power AND their fearless obedience it would not have been humanly possible.

I wrote in my Bible (and am not sure who I’m quoting here!), “When God’s people accomplish Gods work in God’s strength, God gets the glory.” Isn’t that how it SHOULD be?

What has God called you to do today? Are you facing distractions, criticism or fear? What plan do you have in place to counteract opposition? Here are 8 action steps to encourage your faithful walk in the calling He has placed before you:

As you pray and read scripture, ask God to speak about His assignment for you in your current season of life and in the day before you.
Be prepared for opposition.
Ask for discernment to know when the enemy is attacking and when it’s the Lord redirecting.
Get prayer warriors to pray for you to have wisdom and endurance.
Journal what God is saying to you about today’s assignment.
Suit up in the armor of God daily (Ephesians 6:10-18)
Trust God for everything you need to carry out the work He assigns.
Thank God for His strength and give Him the glory for what He did.

What’s God’s current assignment for you? Face it head on, ready to work with one hand as you carry your Sword in the other!