“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. The book of Nehemiah gives us several accounts of the enemies’ strategic plans to stop the building of the wall in Jerusalem. God used Nehemiah to guide Judah in rebuilding the city’s walls and in reordering the people’s social and economic lives.

Nehemiah faced derision and the threats of attack from Judah’s neighbors. He also found injustices in Judah that delayed the work. 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 peoples.

They openly ridiculed the Jews and joked about their efforts. Ridicule can be discouraging, especially when we undertake a difficult 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 wasn’t seeking vengeance, but that God would allow them to see out of the eyes of Judah…or  as the old adage states: “before you criticize a man, walk a mile in his shoes!” Nehemiah knew that God could bring success in His own way, and that success alone can silence ridicule.

We must stand tall in the face of opposition and persevere to accomplish the work that God has given us to do. A few lessons we can learn from Nehemiah in the face of opposition:

• Seek God in prayer to alleviate the pressures induced by the enemy.
• Stay vigilant and refuse to be sidetracked by the numerous attempts to stop our progress.
• Continue to review our plan of action and remain steadfast until it is complete.
• Solicit faithful and responsible fellow believers for help when we need it the most.
• Remain faithful in the knowledge that God will give the victory.

Every temptation that draws us from our duty should push us closer towards it. Nehemiah knew the ultimate purposes of those who opposed him to rebuild the wall. We must never negate being used by God for fear of those who have hidden agendas to thwart His work; Nehemiah lifted his heart towards heaven for help. When we enter upon any service or conflict, we too must go to God in prayer! “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.

God blessings of peace and strengthen keep us all!