Opposition

Read: Nehemiah 4

Nehemiah continues to teach us that opposition will come as we continue to draw closer to God and walk in His ways. Just as he was threatened during the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem, so too will you be threatened as you continue to resist the world and bring light into the darkness.

Opposition will take many different forms. It may come in the form of fear, anxiety or doubt. You may feel as though you are unqualified, or think to yourself “how could God possibly use me, He knows what I have done.” God does know what you have done, where you have fallen short, BUT GOD loves you anyways! He is still for you, and His grace and mercy are for all, not just some. 

We have a God who will fight on our behalf, and who cannot be defeated. We just need to turn to Him, pray, and invite God into our pain, our struggle and our mess.  “But we prayed to our God and guarded the city day and night to protect ourselves.” (Nehemiah 4:9) Pray to God, invite Him into your life and guard your heart as God shapes and molds you. 

During the rebuilding, Nehemiah realized it was easier for the enemy to attack them and defeat them if they were alone, or in small numbers. He prepared the workers by making them aware of the tactics of the enemy, arming them and having them band together in battle, rather than attempt to fight on their own. He shows us an example of the power of community. As Christians, we need to band together and not feel as though we need to do life alone. We need to surround ourselves with others who are on the same mission. There is power in the local church. There is power in community, and in corporate prayer.

“For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” (Matthew 18:20)

The new year begins tomorrow. I urge you to ready yourself for rebuilding. Begin the new year with more than a resolution or wishful thinking. Begin it with prayer, fasting and rebuilding. Invite God into your life, and even if you already have, ask Him to refine you, prune you and make you more like Him. Declare that 2021 will be a year of rebuilding, strengthening your relationship with others and with God. Make it a year of refining, asking God to purify your mind, your heart and your body. It’s YOUR soul, so it’s YOUR responsibility. 

“Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!” (Nehemiah 4:14)

Prayer: Dear Lord, I come to You in need... in need of more of You! I realize that I cannot live day to day without You as a priority in my life. Please give me a desire to get to know You even more. Thank You for always pursuing me and I am sorry that sometimes it takes so long for me to respond. Fill my heart with a desire to seek You every morning and a desire to search You throughout the day. Help me to reflect the love Christ has for the Church, in Jesus' name AMEN!