Opposition to the Wall

Opposition to the Wall
June 15, 2009
Nehemiah 4:11 "Also our enemies said, "Before [the Israelites] know it or see us, we will be right there among them and kill them and put an end to their work.""

The Prophet, Nehemiah, had a great task before him. He was intent on rebuilding the fortress wall around Jerusalem. It had been burned down and destroyed years before by an invading king and the wall was in ruins. God tasked Nehemiah with leading all of God's people in an joint effort to rebuild this great wall. But there was a huge opposition to the rebuilding. Many neighboring people, inspired by Satan, did not want to see the city of Jerusalem rebuilt and greatly opposed it, both verbally and physically. Nehemiah and the people of Jerusalem were harassed on all sides in an effort to stop the progress. This opposition was a direct effort on behalf of Satan to destroy the hope of the Israelites and keep them from succeeding. Satan knew the rebuilding of Jerusalem was a directive from God and Satan used all tactics to hinder it from happening.

This same attack happens to you and me whenever we are following God and God's design for our lives. Satan knows that your life, directed by God, has a purpose and Satan wants to stop it. Anytime you begin to serve the Lord or take on a task directly requested of God, you will encounter a great attack on all sides by the opposition. This opposition will be verbal, physical, financial, emotional, and psychological. Satan will use whomever and whatever he can to attack your efforts to accomplish God's will. Satan will deplete your hope for the future in an effort to get you to quit. He knows what you are doing is directly from the Lord and will stop at nothing to hinder it.

Nehemiah was attune to what Satan was doing, though. He was acutely aware of the fact that the opposition was simply an obstacle to success. Nehemiah had a great perspective on the struggles that Satan brought upon him. He saw it coming and made all sorts of efforts to work around that opposition, that barrier to success. Nehemiah was intent on succeeding and was intent on following the directives of the Lord no matter what Satan might throw at him. The words of this great prophet sum up his perspective on such a harsh opposition. Nehemiah said, "The God of Heaven will give us success." Nehemiah knew that the task set before him was from God and Nehemiah knew that nothing could withstand or come against God. He knew that what God had ordained would come to pass no matter what opposition was in force.

Christian, you serve the same God that Nehemiah served so many years ago. This same God will give you success. If God has tasked you with something, or given you a dream of what should come, then no amount of attacks or opposition will stop you from succeeding. Satan will come at you from all sides, he may hinder your process, discourage you, and slow you down, but he CANNOT stop you. If God has put it in motion, nothing can stop it. It will come to pass. Only don't give up. Don't be discouraged by the attacks of the enemy, the opposition to that task set before you by God. Recognize the efforts of Satan and overcome those obstacles. Recognize that your plans will succeed if they are from God.

1. What plans has the Lord given you?
2. How have you given in to the opposition of God's plan for you?
3. How can you overcome those obstacles to success?

Add. Scriptures for Study: 2 Chron 32:7, Psalm 135:5, Pro 16:3, Neh 2:20, Neh 1-6, 1 John 4:4