Nehemiah 6:16

New International Version (NIV)

 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.

For Meditation

It’s interesting how much opposition we face when we determine to live for God. When we sacrifice for the work of God, the enemy has a way of frustrating our efforts. Their determination is to shout to the world that we are a failure. But if God is in it, they will always fail. If our heart is set to honor God, no opposition can frustrate God’s power in us (2 Tim. 1:7). Nehemiah is a perfect example of this. When he returned from exile to lead the Jerusalem wall rebuilding project, hell released its fury through Sanballat, Tobiah, and the Arab. They became the faces of Satan’s desperate resistance. But they failed each time. They failed because, when faith settles in the able hands of the Most High and locks itself into the program of the Almighty; there no person, power, system to stop God’s people. With the Spirit-filled saint determined to accomplish their divine calling, the enemy will always scratch their head in dismay.

1. Do you see why the weapons of mockery, intimidation, devious schemes, and political intrigues of Sanballat and Tobiah couldn’t stop the building project?
2. Isn’t it amazing to see how a discouraged and helpless bunch of returnees from exile, overcame such a fierce and well-coordinated opposition, with a faith driven leader led by the Spirit of God?
3. In a record time of fifty-two days, do you see how God established His sovereignty and power in the project?
4. But, did you notice the power of prayer at work? Did you see how, time and again, Nehemiah threw himself into the hands of God whenever the enemy made his move?
5. With such faith in the Almighty, why wouldn’t heaven open its doors to the throne of grace each time Nehemiah prayed? And why wouldn’t heaven open up to you in the same way?

I pray we realize that because we have availed ourselves for God’s glory, and we can call the work done. Battles may rage and discouragement may creep our way; but Calvary has declared the victory in Christ Jesus, and the empty grave is there as proof.

So: May you be assured of victory in Christ; and may your faith encourage the discouraged person by your side.

When we move in God’s will, our enemies will always find themselves fighting against God.

Shalom