Nothing worthwhile happens without opposition. Someone will tell you 're crazy, the idea won’t work, you should not put energy into that, or there are  those who just want to shut you down. They may not understand what God has put in your heart and called you to, may simply be jealous or it could be the evil one who doesn’t like that you are pushing into darkness with God’s light. Most of us have experienced that.

This happened to Nehemiah when he was doing an impossible task from most people’s perspective, rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem after a remnant of the Jews came back from captivity. There were enemies of the Jews and especially Nehemiah - Sanballat, Tobia and Geshem - who conspired against him and tried to shut down the rebuilding process.

Four times they had sent Nehemiah a message to come and meet with them. The meeting was a diversion where they could do Nehemiah harm or convince his leaders to shut down the building of the wall which would protect the city. Four times they invited Nehemiah to their consultation and four times he said no. The fifth time, they did what so many do today, sent an open letter to Nehemiah which of course was public and spread gossip and untruths. We do it by copying people on emails or using social media in our day.

I love how they started their letter. “It is reported among the nations - and Geshem says it is true - that the Jews are plotting to revolt, and therefore you are building the wall” so come let us confer before the king hears about it.

In other words he is spreading rumors and disinformation, fake news as it were, to stir up dust, intimidate and threaten Nehemiah with the King hearing their rumors. This was serious stuff but Nehemiah had faith and grit and was not deterred. 

First, he simply sent a short reply “Nothing like what you are saying is happening; you are just making it up out of your head.” No explaining, no defensiveness, no fear. He just called a spade a spade. Second he prayed to God saying, “Now strengthen my hands.” They then sent a gentleman to prophecy against him - what I call “God talk” to force his hand. He saw through it and ignored it.

When God calls us to do something, opposition will often come. Don’t cave. If God asks you to do something He will provide a way through the difficulties. Don’t let anything deter you. Be unapologetic, ignore the criticism and move forward with faith and prayer and grit.

Father, give me the courage to hear your voice and the courage to keep going when things get tough. Help me trust you, rely on you and keep going, knowing that you are more powerful than any who would detract from your call. Thank you for using me. Amen.