NEHEMIAH: Choosing Courage
Nehemiah faced opposition to his God given assignment from within and from without. He remained courageous and resolute basically because he trusted in the Lord to grant him success.As the work progressed the intensity of the opposition increased. Sanballat and the group frowned at the idea of the rebuilding, and were more incensed with the actual building works.
Their enemies employed the strategy of mockery in order to discourage the rebuilding of the walls. And the enemy went further to plan to attack those who were working on the walls.(Neh.4:7-9)
Satan has not changed in his tactics against those who desire to see the up-building of the kingdom of God. Satan is incensed against you when you begin serving the Lord, he further uses discouragement and mockery to persuade you to stop serving the Lord. He raises opposition from within and from outside of those who are enemies of God.
And with any progress made in the rebuilding of God's work Satan intensifies his army against you. You and I must emulate Nehemiah who went ahead and successfully rebuilt the walls because he chose not to be afraid as he remembered that the One who called Him is great and awesome and for the sake of his kinsmen he had to employ spiritual weapons and physical weapons.
If you want to serve the Lord in any capacity beware that you may face opposition but we are not of those who give up and backslide(Heb.10:39). Like Nehemiah you too can overcome as long as you trust in the Lord.
| "And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, "Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes." (Nehemiah4:14) |
I'm Richard Mkandawire Minister at St. Columba's Presbyterian Church in Kabwe Copperbelt Presbytery. I'm married to Aretha and we are blessed with three kids, two boys Khumbo and Mbawemi and one girl Chimwemwe.
