Opposition and Threats

Beautiful morning to everyone, if you are tuned in at a different time now worries, we are connected in Christ as one body. Plus He has a message for each person today.

Let's pray:

Father we thank you for the bread, let your Voice be loud and clear, speaking to each unique person. Let your Spirit bring healing and strength, we thank you for your love, Amen.

Let's break bread:

Today our message is taken from the book of Nehemiah chapter 6 but before I dive in. Let me give you the background.

The Jews who were in exile, have now returned to Judah, however the state of things weren't good at all. Their walls broken, gates burnt and surrounded by enemies.

Nehemiah who works in the royal court as the cup-bearer to the King of Persia hears the news from some friends.

He is filled with grief for His people, he goes on a fast, mourning and praying to God for help.

Now God answers his prayer, by giving him favour and support from the king, to go and rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, the king provides all resources and capital. (Amen we receive).

However he comes to face opposition, you must note that in your quest to do the works of God, not everyone will like you and not everyone will support you. Some would plot and speak evil.

Now let's dive into our scripture:

Nehemiah 6:1(NLT)

1 Sanballat, Toboiah, Geshem the Arab and the rest of our enemies found out that I had finished rebuilding the wall and that no gaps remained - though we had not yet set up the doors in the gates.

Note: People are always watching what you do.

Nehemiah 6:8-9(NLT)

8 I replied, "There is no truth in any part of your story. You are making up the whole thing."

9 They were just trying to intimidate us, imagining that they could discourage us and stop the work. So I continued the work with even greater determination.

Notes:

Nehemiah shows us what to do in the face of lies and threats. We hold on to our word and keep working with even greater determination, use the pressure as fuel.

Nehemiah 6:10(NLT)

10 Later I went to visit Shemaiah son of Delaiah and grandson of Mehetabel, who was confined to his home. He said, "Let us meet together inside the Temple of God and bolt the door shut. Your enemies are coming to kill you tonight."

Note:

You must be careful of trusted people or familiar members of your camp, there are times when their vision isn't aligned with yours.

It doesn't mean make enemies but it is a sign for you to withdraw. Also pay attention to the state of the person giving you the ”wise advice ", their lifes or way of living should be evidence of your destination if you follow them.

Finally, most important, God will always speak to you directly about issues concerning your life, if there is a change or a move in direction, He would tell you personally in your own language or understanding.

Prophecy is meant to confirm the word already in your spirit. Every contradictory prophecy shouldn't be taken, watch out! God doesn't contradict himself.

Nehemiah 6:15-16(NLT)

15 So on 2 October the wall was finished - just fifty-two days after we had begun.

16 When our enemies and the surrounding nations heard about it, they were frightened and humiliated. They realised this work has been done with the help of God.

Note:

Completion, what God sets out to do would be completed, His word carries all the things needed to accomplish it. From Him comes unusual resilience to keep pushing forward.

Not our strength but His. Let Him help you. Don't depend on yourself but let Him help you. He is the Master Strategist.

Prayer:

Father thank you for your word, we open our hearts to you, please help us and strengthen us for the journey, we love you, Amen.

Do you want to have a relationship with Jesus? Say with me:

Dear Jesus, come into my heart, I make you my Lord and Saviour, I repent of my sins, I believe you died on the cross to reconcile me back to God, I receive your love and new life, Amen.

Be bold and depend on your Father, He has some beautiful surprises for you! 🔥