DEVOTIONAL: Strengthened to Overcome Opposition (Nehemiah 4:6-15)

The title for todays devotional is:
"Strengthened to Overcome Opposition"

The  text is from:
Nehemiah 4:6-15
 (KJV)
 

"So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work. 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. Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them. And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall. And our adversaries said, They shall not know, neither see, till we come in the midst among them, and slay them, and cause the work to cease. And it came to pass, that when the Jews which dwelt by them came, they said unto us ten times, From all places whence ye shall return unto us they will be upon you. Therefore set I in the lower places behind the wall, and on the higher places, I even set the people after their families with their swords, their spears, and their bows. And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses. And it came to pass, when our enemies heard that it was known unto us, and God had brought their counsel to nought, that we returned all of us to the wall, every one unto his work."

So now:
Imagine a small community coming together to rebuild their town after a devastating storm. Despite facing numerous challenges and threats from outside forces, their determination and unity enable them to complete the task. They stand together, encouraged by their leaders, and are reminded of the strength and protection that comes from their faith and solidarity.

In the face of opposition, the people of Jerusalem demonstrated remarkable resolve and faith under Nehemiah's leadership. "So built we the wall... for the people had a mind to work" (Nehemiah 4:6). 

Their dedication was soon met with anger and threats from their enemies, who conspired to fight against them and hinder their work (Nehemiah 4:7-8). Yet, Nehemiah and the people turned to God in prayer and set a watch against their adversaries (Nehemiah 4:9).

The strength of the bearers of burdens was waning, and the task seemed overwhelming due to the amount of rubble (Nehemiah 4:10). 

However, Nehemiah encouraged them by reminding them of the greatness of their God and the importance of their mission: "Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses" (Nehemiah 4:14).

When the enemies saw that their plans were discovered and thwarted, and that God had frustrated their counsel, the people returned to their work on the wall (Nehemiah 4:15). 

This passage shows how faith, prayer, and strategic action can overcome opposition.

Here are some life applications:

1. 'Faith and Prayer': 

Like Nehemiah and the people, we must turn to God in prayer when facing opposition (Philippians 4:6).

2. 'Unity and Determination'': 

Unity and a shared purpose strengthen us to accomplish great tasks (Ephesians 4:3).

3. 'Strategic Action': 

Combining faith with wise and strategic action helps us navigate and overcome challenges (James 2:17).

So in conclusion: 

Nehemiah 4:6-15 teaches us the power of faith, unity, and strategic planning in overcoming opposition. By remembering the greatness of our God and standing together in prayer and action, we can face any challenge that comes our way.

Here's the challenge:

This week, identify an area in your life where you face opposition or discouragement. Commit to praying about it, seeking God's guidance, and taking strategic steps to address the challenge. Trust that God will give you the strength and wisdom to overcome.

Let us pray: 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Nehemiah and the people of Jerusalem. Help us to turn to You in prayer when we face opposition and to work together in unity and faith. Strengthen us to overcome challenges and remind us of Your great power and faithfulness. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

_________________________________________________________________________

Dialog by Alan
Voice character by Alan
Graphics by Alan

Please feel free to share.

For more, check out the links below:

FACEBOOK
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079787049416

PODCAST
https://livingforjesusalifethatistrue.podbean.com/

YOUTUBE
https://www.youtube.com/@livingforjesusalifethatist5247

RADIO

https://tvbcradio.mixlr.com/events/3759508
https://tvbcradio.mixlr.com/