Nothing of significance happens in our world without opposition. I am sure you have experienced that reality. There are people who don’t want us to succeed in some effort, others who are irritated by success, those who are cynics that something can be done, and those who, for their own reasons, don’t want something to happen. Unfortunately it can also be those who are in the body of Christ who take the shots, but not always.

From the start of his rebuilding efforts, Nehemiah faced such opposition. The ringleader was a fellow named Sanballat and his sidekick was a guy named Tobiah. Here is an account from Nehemiah 4:1-9. 

When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became angry and was greatly incensed. He ridiculed the Jews, and in the presence of his associates and the army of Samaria, he said, “What are those feeble Jews doing? Will they restore their wall? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they finish in a day? Can they bring the stones back to life from those heaps of rubble—burned as they are?” Tobiah the Ammonite, who was at his side, said, “What they are building—even a fox climbing up on it would break down their wall of stones!”

Then Nehemiah prayed: Hear us, our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads. Give them over as plunder in a land of captivity. Do not cover up their guilt or blot out their sins from your sight, for they have thrown insults in the face of the builders. So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart. But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the people of Ashdod heard that the repairs to Jerusalem’s walls had gone ahead and that the gaps were being closed, they were very angry. They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it. But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.

Notice that Nehemiah was not threatened by this opposition which was potentially exceedingly dangerous. What did Nehemiah do? He turned to prayer knowing that you meet spiritual opposition with spiritual means. In addition, Nehemiah and the people posted a guard day and night to meet this threat. Nehemiah was both prayerful and prudent. He did what he needed to do to protect their work with ultimate trust in his God.

Remember that nothing of significance will come without opposition because the evil one does not want God’s kingdom to expand on this earth. As Paul said in Ephesians 6:12, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces in the heavenly realms.” 

When God calls you to do something, don’t be surprised by opposition. Behind the scenes, Satan will try to thwart you. But God is always stronger than the evil one. 

Father, help me to not be intimidated when opposition comes. You are the victor and I will trust you with the outcome. Help me to be a man of faith and one who is wise. Amen.