Facing Opposition: Nehemiah's Call to Persevere
Summary
### Summary
This week, we delve into the story of Nehemiah and the opposition he faced while rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. The central theme is that whenever you step out to do something significant for God, you should expect opposition. This has been true since the beginning of time, from Adam and Eve to Jesus, and even in our own lives. Nehemiah faced opposition from Sanballat and Tobiah, who ridiculed and tried to discourage the Jews. Despite this, Nehemiah inspired ordinary people—goldsmiths, perfume makers, and merchants—to rebuild the walls and gates, showing that God can use anyone to accomplish His work.
When you commit to doing something for God, whether it's returning to faith, getting out of debt, or serving in a new ministry, opposition will show up. This opposition can come from external sources like critics and haters, or from internal doubts and insecurities. Nehemiah teaches us not to respond to critics but to turn to God in prayer and continue the work. He balanced spirituality and practicality, praying as if everything depended on God and working as if everything depended on him.
Nehemiah also faced internal opposition from the people who doubted their ability to complete the work. He refocused their attention on God, reminding them of His greatness and past miracles. This shift in focus from self to God is crucial in overcoming internal insecurities. Nehemiah's story encourages us to remember the Lord and keep fighting for what God has called us to do, whether it's our marriages, overcoming addictions, or advocating for the vulnerable.
In summary, the greater the opposition, the greater the opportunity for God to fight for you. Remember the Lord, keep building, and don't let the enemy distract you. Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.
### Key Takeaways
1. Expect Opposition When Doing God's Work: Whenever you step out to do something significant for God, expect opposition. This has been a constant since the beginning of time, from Adam and Eve to Jesus. Opposition is a sign that you are doing something meaningful and impactful. [01:56]
2. Balance Prayer and Action: Nehemiah exemplifies the balance between spirituality and practicality. He prayed as if everything depended on God and worked as if everything depended on him. This balance is crucial for accomplishing God's work effectively. [23:23]
3. Don't Respond to Critics: Nehemiah teaches us not to engage with critics and haters. Responding to them only validates their point and gives them power. Instead, focus on serving God and let Him handle the opposition. [16:39]
4. Refocus on God to Overcome Internal Doubts: Internal opposition and self-doubt can be more challenging than external criticism. Nehemiah refocused the people's attention on God, reminding them of His greatness and past miracles. This shift in focus helps overcome internal insecurities. [28:16]
5. Keep Fighting for What Matters: Nehemiah's story encourages us to keep fighting for what God has called us to do, whether it's our marriages, overcoming addictions, or advocating for the vulnerable. The greater the opposition, the greater the opportunity for God to fight for you. [31:31]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:56] - Expect Opposition
[03:27] - Nehemiah's Background
[05:06] - Rebuilding the Gates
[06:43] - Opposition Shows Up
[08:17] - Real-Life Examples of Opposition
[09:42] - Commitment and Challenges
[10:35] - Advancement Invites Opposition
[12:16] - The Devil Targets Those Who Step Out
[13:36] - Living an Easy Life vs. Stepping Out in Faith
[15:12] - Critics and Haters
[16:39] - How to Respond to Critics
[18:23] - Family and Friends as Critics
[20:07] - Personal Stories of Opposition
[21:47] - Balancing Praise and Criticism
[23:23] - Nehemiah's Prayer and Action
[25:02] - Internal Opposition
[28:16] - Refocusing on God
[30:07] - Remembering God's Past Miracles
[31:31] - Keep Fighting for What Matters
[32:23] - Steps to Take When Burdened
[32:59] - Final Encouragement
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Nehemiah 4:1-3 (NIV)
> "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!'"
2. Nehemiah 4:4-6 (NIV)
> "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."
3. Nehemiah 4:14 (NIV)
> "After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, 'Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.'"
### Observation Questions
1. What were the specific insults and doubts expressed by Sanballat and Tobiah about the Jews' ability to rebuild the wall? ([06:43])
2. How did Nehemiah respond to the ridicule and opposition from Sanballat and Tobiah? ([16:39])
3. What types of people did Nehemiah inspire to help rebuild the walls and gates of Jerusalem? ([05:06])
4. According to Nehemiah 4:14, what did Nehemiah remind the people to do in the face of opposition?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Nehemiah chose not to respond directly to his critics, Sanballat and Tobiah? What does this teach us about handling criticism? ([16:39])
2. How does Nehemiah's balance of prayer and action reflect a healthy approach to facing challenges? ([23:23])
3. What is the significance of Nehemiah refocusing the people's attention on God when they faced internal doubts and insecurities? ([28:16])
4. How does the story of Nehemiah illustrate the idea that "the greater the opposition, the greater the opportunity for God to fight for you"? ([31:31])
### Application Questions
1. Have you ever faced opposition when trying to do something significant for God? How did you handle it, and what did you learn from that experience? ([08:17])
2. Nehemiah balanced prayer and action in his approach to rebuilding the wall. How can you incorporate this balance in your own life when facing challenges? ([23:23])
3. When critics and haters try to discourage you, what practical steps can you take to stay focused on God's work and not be distracted by their negativity? ([16:39])
4. Nehemiah reminded the people of God's greatness and past miracles to overcome their internal doubts. What are some past experiences or miracles in your life that you can remember to strengthen your faith during tough times? ([28:16])
5. Nehemiah encouraged the people to keep fighting for what matters, such as their families and their faith. What is one area in your life where you need to keep fighting and not give up? ([31:31])
6. How can you support others in your community who are facing opposition while trying to do God's work? What specific actions can you take to encourage and help them? ([09:42])
7. Reflect on a time when internal doubts and insecurities held you back. How can you refocus on God to overcome these internal challenges and move forward with confidence? ([25:02])
Devotional
Day 1: Expecting Opposition in God's Work
When you step out to do something significant for God, expect opposition. This has been a constant since the beginning of time, from Adam and Eve to Jesus. Opposition is a sign that you are doing something meaningful and impactful. Nehemiah faced opposition from Sanballat and Tobiah, who ridiculed and tried to discourage the Jews. Despite this, Nehemiah inspired ordinary people—goldsmiths, perfume makers, and merchants—to rebuild the walls and gates, showing that God can use anyone to accomplish His work. When you commit to doing something for God, whether it's returning to faith, getting out of debt, or serving in a new ministry, opposition will show up. This opposition can come from external sources like critics and haters, or from internal doubts and insecurities. Nehemiah teaches us not to respond to critics but to turn to God in prayer and continue the work. [01:56]
Nehemiah 4:1-3 (ESV): "Now when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was angry and greatly enraged, and he jeered at the Jews. And he said in the presence of his brothers and of the army of Samaria, 'What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they restore it for themselves? Will they sacrifice? Will they finish up in a day? Will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish, and burned ones at that?' Tobiah the Ammonite was beside him, and he said, 'Yes, what they are building—if a fox goes up on it he will break down their stone wall!'"
Reflection: Think of a time when you faced opposition while trying to do something for God. How did you handle it, and what can you learn from Nehemiah's response to his critics?
Day 2: Balancing Prayer and Action
Nehemiah exemplifies the balance between spirituality and practicality. He prayed as if everything depended on God and worked as if everything depended on him. This balance is crucial for accomplishing God's work effectively. Nehemiah's story shows that while prayer is essential, it must be accompanied by diligent action. He did not just pray and wait for a miracle; he also organized the people, assigned tasks, and took practical steps to rebuild the walls. This dual approach of relying on God while also putting in the necessary effort is a model for us in our own endeavors. [23:23]
Nehemiah 4:9 (ESV): "And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to balance prayer with practical action? How can you start implementing this balance today?
Day 3: Ignoring Critics and Focusing on God
Nehemiah teaches us not to engage with critics and haters. Responding to them only validates their point and gives them power. Instead, focus on serving God and let Him handle the opposition. Nehemiah faced ridicule and threats, but he chose not to respond to his critics directly. Instead, he turned to God in prayer and continued the work. This teaches us the importance of not getting distracted by negativity and staying focused on our mission. By keeping our eyes on God, we can overcome the discouragement that critics bring. [16:39]
Nehemiah 6:3 (ESV): "And I sent messengers to them, saying, 'I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?'"
Reflection: Who are the critics in your life that you need to stop engaging with? How can you refocus your attention on God and the work He has called you to do?
Day 4: Overcoming Internal Doubts by Refocusing on God
Internal opposition and self-doubt can be more challenging than external criticism. Nehemiah refocused the people's attention on God, reminding them of His greatness and past miracles. This shift in focus helps overcome internal insecurities. When the people doubted their ability to complete the work, Nehemiah reminded them of God's power and faithfulness. By shifting their focus from their own limitations to God's unlimited power, they found the strength to continue. This teaches us that when we face internal doubts, we should remember God's past faithfulness and trust in His ability to help us overcome. [28:16]
Nehemiah 4:14 (ESV): "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.'"
Reflection: What internal doubts are holding you back from fulfilling God's call in your life? How can you refocus on God's greatness and past faithfulness to overcome these doubts?
Day 5: Keep Fighting for What Matters
Nehemiah's story encourages us to keep fighting for what God has called us to do, whether it's our marriages, overcoming addictions, or advocating for the vulnerable. The greater the opposition, the greater the opportunity for God to fight for you. Nehemiah faced significant opposition, but he did not give up. He reminded the people to remember the Lord and keep fighting for what mattered. This teaches us the importance of perseverance and trusting that God will fight for us when we face challenges. By keeping our focus on God and the mission He has given us, we can overcome any obstacle. [31:31]
Nehemiah 4:20 (ESV): "In the place where you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to keep fighting despite opposition? How can you trust God to fight for you in this area?
Quotes
1. "Any time that God leads you to do something for him, anything good or generous or meaningful or powerful, or something that's going to last way beyond you, you need to expect opposition, you need to expect pushback, it's going to be difficult, there are going to be obstacles and resistance whenever you step out of the program. and you start to do something good and powerful for god so expect opposition it's been there since the beginning." [01:56] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When the work goes down opposition shows up. Want you to remember that when the work goes down when you start to do something for god opposition shows up. Opposition is going to show up." [06:43] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Don't be surprised when you face opposition. And the other thing that I want you to know is the devil doesn't bother you. He doesn't bother those who are not a threat. Does that make sense? If you're living in his category, if you're in the herd and you're doing everything that the world wants, he doesn't need to focus on you. But as soon as you step outside of the herd and you make a commitment that goes against the flow, red flags go up all over hell and he sends demons to stop you, to slow you down, to discourage you, to dissuade you." [12:16] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The moment that you step out in faith, I want you to know that you're going to engage in real battle. You're going to be a target. The devil's not going to bother you. So if you want to coast through life, if you want to have an easy life, then, you know, do the easy thing. Don't. You can, you know, create all these things that are simply for you. Live selfishly. You can go to church if you want to. That's fine. But don't you dare engage in any ministry opportunities. Don't you ever, ever pray with authenticity and sincerity. Don't serve. Don't give. Don't care so much." [13:36] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "There's always going to be opposition when you're a child of God. There's always going to be critics and haters. You know, a couple of my pastor friends who are sports fans, okay, football fans, I hate to say that, but they say that the loudest boos always come from the cheapest seats. You're always going to have critics." [15:12] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "How do you respond to critics and i want to tell you that most of the time you don't don't say anything you just let them do their thing and you continue to serve god here's what nehemiah well let's let's look at what nehemiah doesn't do in this situation he doesn't respond he doesn't answer sanballat and tobiah he doesn't say a word to them and you know what he doesn't do he doesn't defend what he's doing didn't defend the work that he's doing because your response regardless of what it is and how eloquent it is and how powerful and logical it is it's not going to convert a critic you can't argue someone into your way of thinking you can't convert critics by arguing the only thing it does do is it validates their point when you argue with someone who's a critic and a hater it validates their point you acknowledge uh your critics and it gives them more strength you give them power they're not really that important until and unless you respond to them don't give them power give them the time don't give them the power and it's not easy to do that it's not easy to deal with haters it's even more difficult when those haters when those that are criticizing are people that you love and care about your family your mom your dad your brother close friends you're doing something stepping out in faith and they're saying that's stupid don't throw everything away to do something that you have no idea about how to do that you can't do that who do you think you are don't quit your day job it would be like if i said i was going to go become a stand-up comedian i'm not that stupid and you all would say to me that's pretty stupid except kobe kobe thinks i'm hilarious that's why i like him coming to church oh caitlin came back it's but your family your family turn not turn against you but when they criticize it hurts at a different level than if it's just some stranger on the street" [16:39] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The greater the opposition against you the greater the opportunity for god to fight for you says don't be afraid of them remember the lord who is great and awesome and fight for your families your sons and your daughters your wives and your homes that's what that's what nehemiah is saying remember the lord and keep fighting remember the lord and keep fighting keep fighting for your marriage the divorce rate in the church is the same as the divorce rate outside of the church fight for your marriage remember the lord and keep fighting to to overcome that addiction whatever it is remember the lord and keep fighting for children for the unborn for those children who don't have the right to live in the church for those who don't have the right to live in the church for those who don't have the right to live in the church to go to for victims that need healing for children in human trafficking remember the lord and keep fighting for those who need hope and that hope is found in christ" [31:31] (80 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "If you're not ready for opposition on of your obedience or because you're you're obeying god then then you're not ready to be used by god if you're not ready to go into the fight because of your commitment to christ then you're not ready to be used by god so what do you do when there's something in the world that burns within you and bothers you and breaks your heart and burdens you you know over the last three weeks you say i'm not ready to be used by god you sit down and you cry like nehemiah did and then you kneel down and you pray and then you stand up and you do something you take action and then you know guided by god you seek him faithfully you define the vision that burden reveals the vision the calling that god has given you placed upon your life and you make plans carefully and you inspire people passionately and know that the enemy is going to show up and he's going to slow you down he's going to distract you he's going to frustrate you he's going to try to knock you off of the path that god has placed you on" [32:23] (78 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Remember the lord fight for what god has called you to do don't give up don't grow weary in doing good keep building one stone one little piece at a time don't grow weary lay stone upon stone moment by moment you can rebuild that wall you can be used by god to do great things that will outlast you don't let the enemy distract you greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world you have the power of christ within you remember the lord and fight remember the greater the opposition against you the greater opportunity for god to fight for you" [33:43] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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