Enemies of progress

Nehemiah had a vision, he had an objective, a dream that made his heart tick. He wanted to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.


He knew that except the Lord built, he would labour in vain. So he sought God from the conception of this dream- his baby! Nehemiah started making progress, but then some enemies who could not stand his progress attempted to discourage him. Nehemiah 2:19-20 But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard of it, they laughed at us and despised us, and said, “What is this thing that you are doing? Will you rebel against the king?”
So I answered them, and said to them, “The God of heaven Himself will prosper us; therefore we His servants will arise and build, but you have no heritage or right or memorial in Jerusalem.”


Nehemiah was doing God's will by rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Yet his detractors found it an ideal time to commence their job of discouraging him. Nehemiah did not succumb to their negative words - he rose above them. Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem did not relent in their efforts to discourage Nehemiah , they were persistent - Nehemiah 4:1-6. Nehemiah prayed to God and continued with his Godly assignment, this angered his detractors who planned to attack him - Nehemiah 4:7-23. Nehemiah was steadfast in God, praying, watching and working for God. He surrounded himself with people who believed in his vision, and who were willing to help him fulfil the vision God had placed on his heart. They all worked hard, and often gave up sleep to see the work of God done.


In the end, the plans of Nehemiah's enemies did not come to pass . Nehemiah progressed because he depended on God and refused to be brought down. You are well able to do what God has called you to do. Do not give in to fear and negative criticism. Do not allow people who have nothing to offer to your vision discourage you. There are more people that God will give to help you, than there are who will be against you. Jesus had twelve disciples, but one betrayed him. Even that one helped to fulfil God's will. Everything will work out well if we keep focused on the author and finisher of our faith. In the end, Nehemiah rebuilt the walls - that was the most essential!


Finishing our course is the most essential, we must keep our focus on God and what He has called us to do. He who has started a good work will bring it to completion, even until the day of Christ.










WHAT IS NEXT?