How to handle Opposition

Nehemiah is one of my favorite people and books in the Bible. This simple cupbearer went on to lead the rebuilding of the Jerusalem wall. And, it all started from restless discontent and a simple nudge. We talked about this very thing here at New Life during the “MORE” series.

Things looked so promising for Nehemiah in his quest to rebuild the Jerusalem wall and restore hope to the people of Israel. The Lord was clearly blessing his every move. Construction had begun on restoring the wall.  But then, as with all great stories you read or see in the movies, we find out that the project is not that easy or simple.  As they were progressing on the wall, Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the men of Ashdod became very angry and plotted ways that they could join forces to stir up trouble for Nehemiah and his wall builders (Nehemiah 4:7-8).  They didn’t want Nehemiah to rebuild the Jerusalem wall, and they certainly didn’t want hope restored to Israel. So all these groups were going work together to try to stop them.

What did Nehemiah do when faced with this opposition?  He prayed and he protected. Everything Nehemiah experienced up to this point was because the Lord had opened doors and provided a way for the wall to be rebuilt. Was God now going to abandon him after he had gotten this far?  Of course not!  In James 1:5-6 it says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”  Nehemiah needed wisdom and the Lord’s help.  So he prayed and the Lord provided wisdom for what to do next.

Not only did Nehemiah pray, but he protected.  He protected the people working and the newly constructed wall by positioning people at the lowest points and the weakest areas of the wall with spears, swords, and body of armor.  Nehemiah made sure there were people standing guard throughout the day and night to protect the wall and people of Jerusalem.

I believe that God is working all around us. His desire is for YOU to do a great work. The question is: Are we looking for and acting on those opportunities?

One thing we can be sure about is that if God is moving in your life you will face opposition.  After all, Satan can not stand to allow God to be victorious.  Whether it is a conflict in a personal relationship or discord in another part of our life, if God is working, Satan will throw up opposition somewhere, somehow.  

No matter the opposition, God is victorious and will provide you with the way to overcome it. 

• Deuteronomy 20:4 – “For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”
• John 16:33 – “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
• Ephesians 6:10 – “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

God is victorious and will provide for you. Seek the Lord when you encounter hardship and/or opposition. You can overcome any opposition with God by your side.