Main Point and Overview:
Sometimes pushbacks come in forms beyond physical threats. When Sanballat and his henchmen came for Nehemiah and the Jews, Nehemiah was physically ready, having positioned, equipped, and motivated the people. They were aligned properly through much planning and preparation. In fact, it could be argued that they were more prepared now for an attack than they had been in the last 50 years. Now, Sanballat had to form a new strategy. In all reality, this new strategy is more of what we see in modern-day America. It’s unlikely, though that could change in the near future, that you will be physically attacked for your faith. What is more likely is that someone who opposes your values will attack your character, attempting to discredit you. Will you be prepared? When Sanballat’s constant attempts to “surround” Nehemiah failed, he literally “paid off” people to strategically ruin Nehemiah’s reputation. If that could happen, then the people wouldn’t respect him. If the people didn’t respect him, then they would begin to question his leadership. If the people began to question his leadership, then they would quit working on the walls. If the people quit working on the walls, then the mission would fail. Do you see the slippery slope that Satan was attempting to execute against Nehemiah and the people? It’s no different today. When you are honoring God and fulfilling his purpose for your life, people are going to say things about you that are not true. They are going to accuse you of “gross” actions, evil desires, and selfish motivations. In these moments, you will feel tempted to defend yourself. Don’t do it! Don’t worry about their accusations! Keep moving forward for Jesus! Realize, as Nehemiah would, that there will always be a “vocal minority” who are opposed to God’s Will in your life. You are never going to have 100% support for what you are trying to accomplish. Nehemiah faced tremendous pushback, and at times, so will you! The question is, how are you going to handle the heat? Once again, Nehemiah prayed to God for strength (6:9). He knew that he needed to lead his people well in the face of opposition. This is a mountain that we can only overcome in God’s grace and strength!
Sometimes pushbacks come in forms beyond physical threats. When Sanballat and his henchmen came for Nehemiah and the Jews, Nehemiah was physically ready, having positioned, equipped, and motivated the people. They were aligned properly through much planning and preparation. In fact, it could be argued that they were more prepared now for an attack than they had been in the last 50 years. Now, Sanballat had to form a new strategy. In all reality, this new strategy is more of what we see in modern-day America. It’s unlikely, though that could change in the near future, that you will be physically attacked for your faith. What is more likely is that someone who opposes your values will attack your character, attempting to discredit you. Will you be prepared? When Sanballat’s constant attempts to “surround” Nehemiah failed, he literally “paid off” people to strategically ruin Nehemiah’s reputation. If that could happen, then the people wouldn’t respect him. If the people didn’t respect him, then they would begin to question his leadership. If the people began to question his leadership, then they would quit working on the walls. If the people quit working on the walls, then the mission would fail. Do you see the slippery slope that Satan was attempting to execute against Nehemiah and the people? It’s no different today. When you are honoring God and fulfilling his purpose for your life, people are going to say things about you that are not true. They are going to accuse you of “gross” actions, evil desires, and selfish motivations. In these moments, you will feel tempted to defend yourself. Don’t do it! Don’t worry about their accusations! Keep moving forward for Jesus! Realize, as Nehemiah would, that there will always be a “vocal minority” who are opposed to God’s Will in your life. You are never going to have 100% support for what you are trying to accomplish. Nehemiah faced tremendous pushback, and at times, so will you! The question is, how are you going to handle the heat? Once again, Nehemiah prayed to God for strength (6:9). He knew that he needed to lead his people well in the face of opposition. This is a mountain that we can only overcome in God’s grace and strength!
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