Overcoming Opposition: Rebuilding with Faith and Courage

Devotional

Day 1: Expect Opposition When Rebuilding God’s Purposes

Whenever we set out to rebuild or restore something holy in our lives—whether it’s our faith, our family, or our calling—we should not be surprised when opposition arises. The story of the returning exiles in Ezra shows that the moment they began to rebuild the temple, adversaries appeared, using tactics like deception, discouragement, and slander to try to halt the work. In our own lives, the enemy often tries to distract or discourage us through similar means, whispering that there’s an easier way or that we don’t need to give God our all. But just as Zerubbabel and the leaders discerned the enemy’s schemes and stood firm, we too are called to recognize and resist compromise, trusting that God’s purposes are worth the struggle. [42:23]

Ezra 4:1-5 (ESV)
Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the returned exiles were building a temple to the Lord, the God of Israel, they approached Zerubbabel and the heads of fathers’ houses and said to them, “Let us build with you, for we worship your God as you do, and we have been sacrificing to him ever since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assyria who brought us here.” But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the rest of the heads of fathers’ houses in Israel said to them, “You have nothing to do with us in building a house to our God; but we alone will build to the Lord, the God of Israel, as King Cyrus the king of Persia has commanded us.” Then the people of the land discouraged the people of Judah and made them afraid to build and bribed counselors against them to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.

Reflection: Where in your life are you facing opposition as you try to follow God’s call, and how might you discern whether it’s a tactic to distract or discourage you from God’s purposes?

Day 2: Choose Faith Over Fear in the Face of Discouragement

Discouragement and fear are some of the enemy’s most effective tools to halt the work God has called us to do. When the Israelites faced opposition, they became overwhelmed and stopped building for years. Yet God’s word reminds us that we are never alone—He commands us to be strong and courageous, not afraid or discouraged, because He is with us wherever we go. When we remember that God’s presence is with us, we can choose faith over fear, picking up our tools again and moving forward even when circumstances haven’t changed. [50:36]

Joshua 1:9 (ESV)
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Reflection: What is one area where fear or discouragement has caused you to pause or give up, and how can you take a step of faith today, trusting that God is with you?

Day 3: Let God’s Word Reframe Your Reality

Spiritual stagnation is rarely broken by accident; it takes a fresh encounter with God’s truth to catalyze change. When the Israelites were stuck, God sent prophets like Haggai and Zechariah to deliver His word, challenging them to stop making excuses and return to the work He had called them to. In our lives, God’s word can pierce our complacency and reframe our perspective, even if our circumstances remain the same. The antidote to delay is allowing God’s truth to shape our reality, prompting us to action and renewed obedience. [58:26]

Haggai 1:4 (ESV)
“Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins?”

Reflection: What excuse or comfort has kept you from responding to God’s call, and how might a specific passage of Scripture challenge you to take action today?

Day 4: God’s Watchful Eye Protects Those Who Obey in Faith

When the leaders and people of Israel responded in faith and resumed building, God’s “eye was watching over” them, providing unseen protection even as opposition continued. Obedience to God’s command brings us under His special care; the threats and “what ifs” of the enemy lose their power when we know that God is watching and protecting us. Acting in faith does not mean the absence of challenges, but it does mean we are never alone—God’s presence and protection are with us as we step forward in obedience. [01:06:51]

Ezra 5:5 (ESV)
But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, and they did not stop them until the report should reach Darius and then an answer be returned by letter concerning it.

Reflection: Where do you need to trust that God’s watchful eye is on you as you obey Him, and how might that assurance help you move forward despite uncertainty?

Day 5: God Turns Opposition into Divine Reversal and Joy

God is not limited by the schemes of the enemy; He can turn every attempt to harm or hinder His people into an opportunity for blessing and vindication. In Ezra 6, the very investigation meant to stop the temple’s rebuilding led to the discovery of the original decree, full royal provision, and even the former opponents being ordered to help. God’s divine reversals not only neutralize opposition but establish a new reality of joy and celebration. When we persevere in faith, God can bring about outcomes that are better than we imagined, filling us with deep, lasting joy and strengthening our faith. [01:20:04]

Romans 8:28 (ESV)
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Reflection: Think of a situation where you have faced opposition or setback—how can you pray for God’s divine reversal and trust Him to bring about good and lasting joy from it?

Sermon Summary

The story of Ezra 4-6 is a powerful reminder that whenever we set out to rebuild what is holy in our lives—whether it’s our faith, our families, or our calling—we can expect opposition. The returning exiles in Jerusalem faced a series of escalating attacks as they sought to rebuild the temple: deceptive alliances, discouragement and fear, and finally, outright slander and political obstruction. These are not just ancient tactics; they are the same strategies the enemy uses against us today. The moment we step out in faith, we encounter voices—both internal and external—that tempt us to compromise, sow discouragement, and remind us of our past failures. The enemy’s goal is always to stop the work God has called us to do, to make us give up out of exhaustion or fear.

Yet, the story does not end in defeat. After years of paralysis and unfinished work, God intervenes through the prophetic voices of Haggai and Zechariah. Their words do not change the circumstances, but they reframe the people’s perspective, calling them out of complacency and into action. The leaders choose faith over fear, picking up their tools and resuming the work despite lingering threats and legal bans. Their obedience activates God’s special protection—His “eye” is upon them, and the opposition loses its power to halt what God has commanded.

God’s response is not just to neutralize the enemy’s schemes, but to reverse them. The very investigation meant to stop the temple’s construction becomes the means by which God’s people are vindicated. King Darius not only reaffirms the original decree to rebuild but orders that all expenses be paid from the royal treasury and that anyone who opposes the work faces severe consequences. The opposition is transformed into provision and protection, and the temple is completed with great joy and celebration.

This narrative is a blueprint for our own journeys. When we face opposition, it is not a sign of failure but confirmation that we are engaged in work that matters. God’s word has the power to break spiritual paralysis, and our faith-filled obedience invites His protection and provision. We are called to pray for divine reversals in the broken areas of our lives, trusting that God can turn every scheme of the enemy into a tool for His glory. The story of Ezra encourages us to pick up our tools again, to rebuild, renew, and trust that God is always doing something new—even in the face of opposition.

Key Takeaways

1. Opposition Is Inevitable When Rebuilding What Matters Whenever we commit to rebuilding what is holy—our faith, relationships, or calling—we should expect resistance. The enemy’s tactics are subtle at first, often disguised as helpful alliances or easier paths, but their aim is always to dilute our purpose and halt God’s work in us. Recognizing these tactics helps us remain vigilant and uncompromising in our pursuit of God’s calling. [42:23]
2. Discouragement and Fear Are the Enemy’s Most Effective Tools Discouragement often comes through reminders of past failures, voices of inadequacy, or overwhelming obstacles. These are not just emotional responses but spiritual attacks designed to paralyze us. God’s command to “be strong and courageous” is not a suggestion but a spiritual necessity, reminding us that His presence is our constant source of strength and courage. [50:36]
3. Spiritual Stagnation Requires a Divine Catalyst Periods of inactivity or spiritual paralysis are rarely broken by accident. It takes a fresh encounter with God’s truth—through His word, prophetic encouragement, or godly counsel—to reframe our reality and move us forward. Allowing God’s word to challenge our excuses and complacency is the antidote to delay and the beginning of renewal. [58:26]
4. Faith Over Fear Activates God’s Protection Obedience in the face of uncertainty is a declaration of faith that invites God’s special protection. When we choose to act on God’s word rather than remain immobilized by fear or external threats, we come under His watchful eye. The threats and “what ifs” of the enemy lose their power when we trust that God is actively watching over and defending us. [65:56]
5. God Specializes in Divine Reversals What the enemy intends for harm, God can turn into a means of provision, vindication, and joy. The very systems or people that oppose us can become instruments of God’s blessing when we remain faithful. Divine reversals are not just about surviving opposition but about experiencing God’s ability to bring about a new reality—one marked by completion, celebration, and deep, lasting joy.

** [74:45]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[40:35] - Opening Prayer and Introduction
[42:23] - The Enemy’s Tactics: Deception and Discouragement
[43:55] - Facing Opposition in Ministry and Life
[49:31] - Discouragement and Fear: The Enemy’s Tools
[50:36] - God’s Command: Be Strong and Courageous
[51:17] - Frustration, Slander, and Political Opposition
[52:56] - Unexpected Obstacles and False Accusations
[55:11] - The Work Stops: Overwhelmed by Opposition
[56:27] - God’s Turning Point: Prophetic Encouragement
[58:26] - Breaking Spiritual Stagnation
[63:35] - Faith Over Fear: Choosing Action
[65:56] - God’s Watchful Eye and Protection
[68:17] - God’s Divine Reversal Begins
[74:45] - From Opposition to Provision and Joy
[80:04] - Praying for Divine Reversals
[84:00] - Closing Prayer and Worship

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Ezra 4:1-5, 5:1-5, 6:1-16 — (Main story of opposition, prophetic encouragement, and God’s reversal)
- Joshua 1:9
(“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”)
- Romans 8:28
(“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”)

Observation Questions

What were the different tactics the enemies used to try to stop the rebuilding of the temple in Ezra 4? ([42:23])
According to Ezra 5:1-2, what role did the prophets Haggai and Zechariah play in the story?
In Ezra 6, what was the outcome of the investigation ordered by King Darius? How did it affect the rebuilding project? ([01:09:38])
What does Joshua 1:9 command God’s people to do, and how does this relate to the situation in Ezra? ([50:36])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think the enemy’s first tactic was to offer a deceptive alliance instead of direct opposition? What does this reveal about how spiritual opposition can work in our lives? ([42:23])
The people stopped building for about 16 years because of discouragement and fear. What does this suggest about the power of discouragement in our spiritual lives? ([55:11])
When the prophets spoke God’s word, the people’s circumstances didn’t change immediately, but their perspective did. Why is a change in perspective sometimes more important than a change in circumstances? ([58:26])
How does God’s “divine reversal” in Ezra 6 show His ability to turn opposition into provision and protection? ([01:14:45])

Application Questions

The sermon said that opposition is inevitable when we try to rebuild what matters in our lives. Where have you experienced resistance or discouragement when you tried to make a positive change or follow God’s calling? How did you respond? ([42:23])
Discouragement and fear were described as the enemy’s most effective tools. What are some “voices” (internal or external) that have tried to discourage you recently? How can you recognize when these are spiritual attacks rather than just emotions? ([49:31])
The people in Ezra needed a “divine catalyst” to break out of spiritual stagnation. Is there an area of your life where you feel stuck or spiritually paralyzed? What would it look like for you to allow God’s word or godly counsel to challenge your excuses? ([58:26])
The leaders chose faith over fear, even when the legal ban was still in place. Is there a step of obedience you feel God is asking you to take, even though it feels risky or uncertain? What would it look like to “pick up your tools” again? ([01:03:35])
The story shows that God’s protection is activated by faith-filled obedience. Can you think of a time when you sensed God’s protection or provision after you stepped out in faith? What happened? ([01:05:56])
The sermon encouraged us to pray for “divine reversals” in broken areas of our lives. What is one specific area where you need God to turn opposition or difficulty into blessing or breakthrough? How can the group pray for you in this? ([01:20:04])
The people celebrated with great joy when the temple was finished. How can you celebrate and give thanks for the ways God has brought you through opposition or completed something in your life? ([01:19:11])

Sermon Clips

The rebuilding of the temple by these returning exiles in Jerusalem is a powerful story. It has historical significance, but also it's this blueprint that God gives us for faith. It reveals that the moment we decide to rebuild something holy in our lives, be it our faith or our family or our calling, the moment we choose to do that, we can expect opposition. [00:42:39] (39 seconds)

Every ministry event, every activity, every Bible study, every gathering, everything we try to do is bound to face some sort of opposition. Sometimes it's, oh, we've never done it like that before. Or, gosh, I really don't like that study. It's making me think too much. Maybe I'll wait till the next one. Or, no, we don't have enough people to do that ministry, Pastor Todd. We can't do that. We need more people. See, we're always going to face opposition. [00:43:40] (36 seconds)

We're never alone in this battle. We have the full armor of God at our disposal. We just forget to put it on. I don't always think about it when I get up in the morning. I need this breastplate of righteousness. Maybe I grab one thing and I put it on. But I don't realize I've got that full armor I can put on every single day to protect me from the enemy. [00:50:54] (34 seconds)

God takes the broken pieces, and he makes masterpieces. And that's what he wants to do in our lives is make a masterpiece even out of the broken stuff because I don't know about you, but I'm not perfect. I got broken stuff happening here. [00:56:34] (22 seconds)

No matter how far away from him we fall, we are just one heartbeat away from turning it all around. No matter how far we fall. And there's always a turning point. [00:57:03] (15 seconds)

Hearing from God requires us to make a decision. We're required to make a decision. We can agree with the truth but remain inactive, ignoring what we hear. Or we can, like the leaders in Ezra, translate conviction into action. And we can do something about it. It requires a response. [01:04:11] (28 seconds)

After a period of trial or, or false accusation, he not just restores us, but often he'll make it better than it was before. Because that glorifies him. See, this is the principle we find in Romans 8, 28. You guys know this verse. And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who've been called according to his purpose. [01:15:32] (30 seconds)

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