Nehemiah 6:3 (NLT) So I replied by sending this message to them: “I am engaged in a great work, so I can’t come. Why should I stop working to come and meet with you?”
Today we will explore the story of Nehemiah. Nehemiah was concerned because the walls of Jerusalem were torn down. As such, he was moved to do something about it and decided to rebuild the breaches in the wall. Great opposition arose as he undertook this task. The enemy became furious that Nehemiah was rebuilding the breaches in the wall and did everything to stop the work.
This led to taunting, intimidation and adversities, as Sanballat and Tobiah sought to undermine the work Nehemiah was doing. However, I admire Nehemiah’s response. He maintained an attitude of prayer. Sometimes this is not our first response as everything starts to go haywire and fear creeps in. Nehemiah was faced with a physical problem but dealt with it in the realm of the spirit, through prayer. He did not fear, worry or seek revenge, instead he sought the Lord. As the work continued, Sanballat and Tobiah became furious to a greater degree. They made plans to fight against Jerusalem and throw them into confusion. Again, Nehemiah’s response was one of prayer.
During the rebuilding exercise, the people also started to complain and get distracted. This was exactly what the enemy wanted. Sanballat and Tobiah had boldly stated according to Nehemiah 4: 11, “before they know what is happening, we will swoop down on them, kill them and end their work” (NLT). Having stayed in a place of prayer, God revealed the plans of the enemy to Nehemiah. They had planned to attack from all directions but Nehemiah was prepared. It is important that in the midst of what is going on around us, we remember the truths in His word and stay in a place of prayer.
The enemy was very intelligent and so when the open attacks did not work, they came in subtle and covert ways. Sanballat and Tobiah paid prophets to trick Nehemiah. They also brought false accusations against him. In spite of this, Nehemiah stood his ground. The word says, resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you (James 4:7-8). During the attacks, this became real and necessary for Nehemiah and it is the same for us.
When we seek a path that is in alignment with God’s plans, the attacks will come from several directions too. It is important to see the enemy for exactly who he is, especially as he works through others. I have experienced my share of battles to the point that I had to ask God if I am missing something, or if there is an open door in my life giving the enemy access. If like me you are asking these questions, my friend, the attacks may very well be because you are doing everything right. These attacks have been sent to undermine, confuse and distract you, as in Nehemiah’s situation.
The devil will try to intimidate us so that we become discouraged and get off the path we are on. Like Nehemiah, we must be prayerful, know our enemy and continue with greater determination than before. Through sheer determination and confidence in what God had laid on his heart, Nehemiah persevered and the wall was rebuilt. In the end, Sanballat and Tobiah were frightened and humiliated. The key take away is that distractions are inevitable, so staying in the presence of God is important. Let’s remain focused, as we walk in our God given purposes, even as we face heights of opposition. Like Nehemiah, the Lord will fight for us and expose the schemes of the enemy. Be sober, alert and vigilant!
Life Interrupted 