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

When we start something with God and follow His guidance, we may face challenges, but in the end, His purpose always wins. If we trust God and let His Spirit lead us, nothing can stop us from moving forward and fulfilling our calling.

Nehemiah faced powerful opposition while rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls. Enemies like Sanballat and Tobiah tried to stop the work with mockery, threats, and tricks, but they could not stand against God’s power. Even though the exiles were tired and discouraged, they finished the wall in just fifty-two days. That’s incredible!

How did they manage it? God inspired and guided every step. He chose Nehemiah to lead (Neh. 1:11; 2:4:5, 8) and brought together everyone who helped. It wasn’t their own strength. God’s Spirit filled, led, and strengthened Nehemiah and the people against their powerful enemies. Most importantly, Nehemiah always turned to prayer whenever trouble came.

Prayer is always powerful. Nehemiah kept trusting God and prayed often, and God answered him every time. In just fifty-two days, they finished rebuilding the whole wall. It amazed their enemies when they heard about it.

“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” (Neh. 6:16). Glory to God!

The Nehemiah story can be your story, too. It is a story of willingness, faith, confidence, and dependence on God through fervent prayer that brings Him glory in the face of opposition. With these, victory is certain. Even when we face hard times, Christ’s victory at Calvary and the empty grave prove He has already overcome for us.

So when you face opposition and struggle, remember what Paul said: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rm. 8:31). We can also say with confidence, “No, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (v. 37). Gamaliel also said, “If [our] purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.But if it is from God, [our enemies] will not be able to stop us; [they] will only find [themselves] fighting against God” (Acts 5:38-39).

Don’t give up. Stay strong, keep working, and keep growing in your faith. Everything will be all right.

Shalom

Pray with Me

What a challenge for us, Lord! As you inspired and strengthened Nehemiah to lead the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s broken wall, please inspire us to disregard every opposition and, with Spirit-inspired boldness, rebuild the ruins of our lives in the matchless name of Jesus. Amen! 

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