Building time: Be prepared to fight

 In the previous article, you learned that opposition is a sign that you are making progress.

While Nehemiah and the other Jews were rebuilding Jerusalem, Sanballat and Tobiah continued to insult them, remember?

Stay focused and always pray

However, the people remained focused and 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” (Nehemiah 4:4-5).

Builders will be challenged

Be aware that the enemy despises builders and will oppose us, but we know he is already defeated in Jesus’ name.

In verse 7, Sanballat, Tobiah, and many others were still angry about the repairs of Jerusalem and plotted to kill the builders. Nevertheless, the workers prayed and posted guards day and night.

Distraction from those closest to you

Some of the Jews attempted to stir up fear in the hearts of the workers by saying, “Wherever you turn, they will attack us” (verse 12).

The people in Judah too interjected their negative comments, saying “The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall” (verse 10).

Protect all exposed areas of your life

So, Nehemiah stationed some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places and encouraged them to fight for their families, sons, daughters, wives, and homes (verses 13-14).

Nehemiah also strategically positioned half the men to work while the other half stood with their spears, shields, bows, and armor.

God is calling us to be builders even in the face of oppositions. Allow Him to show you the broken or crumbled walls in your life. Then clothe yourself with the entire armor of God so you can resist all the demons that will rise up to prevent you from building the Kingdom of Jehovah.