Nehemiah faced a violent and planned opposition that sought to ridicule what he was doing and stop the building of the wall of Jerusalem. In response to such a confrontation, Nehemiah returned to the basics. He prayed to God to reaffirm the rationale for rebuilding the wall. As a result, he could reassure the builders, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord who is great and awesome… Our God will fight for us.”
In addition, Nehemiah wisely took steps to meet the impending challenge and instructed that they “…set a guard as a protection against them day and night.” He made available weapons for their defence and worked out a strategy in case of an attack. He called on the people to “fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.”
When we are confronted with opposition or alternative suggestions to what we are doing, it helps to return to the Lord to re-examine the basis and rationale of what we are doing. This then enables us to make any adjustments that may be needed to address the opposition.
Written by Mr. Ajit Hazra
Questions
For Personal Reflection or Group Discussion
- Is there a situation where you want to ask God for justice or to come before him in repentance?
- What challenging situation do you face now in which you want to remember God’s greatness and awesomeness?
- What is God calling you, together with others, to do for someone in need?
Sermon
Preacher: Rev Dr Maggie Low
Series: Band Together
Topic: Responding to Opposition from Without as We Band Together
Verses: Nehemiah 4: 1 – 23
Read the other devotionals in our Nehemiah sermon series.
