Courage in the Face of Opposition | Spring & Summer 2024 Devotion

"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"

-Nehemiah 4:14

Throughout Ezra and Nehemiah (a single book in the Tanakh) the Jews face ongoing opposition to the work God has called them to do. In chapter 4 of Nehemiah we see the governing officials of the region, Sanballat and Tobiah, try to stop the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall. When Nehemiah and the builders are not dissuaded by their mockery and ridicule (2:19, 4:1-3, & 6) the officials turn to violence. Together with the surrounding nations, they organize an attack to stop the work by force. (4:7-8) This time the people are greatly intimidated, and warnings from Jews in the surrounding area of further attack only add to their dismay. (4:10-12) However, Nehemiah does not allow this to take his focus off the task at hand. Instead he prays. (4:4 & 9) He then takes action against the opposition in faith that God will deliver them and they will be able to complete the work. Nehemiah sets watchmen, arms the people, and reminds them not be be afraid because the God they serve is more powerful than the threats they face. (4:13-14) Although the Jews were able to foil the enemy's plans, they did not let their guard down going forward. They remained vigilant as they worked with their weapons at the ready. (4:15-23) 

We too will face opposition when we diligently set our hands to the work God has called us to do. (John 15:19–20, 1 Peter 4:12–14) It is in these moments that we should call out to God and persevere by taking the next step in faith. We see too often nowadays those who profess Christ compromising the truth to avoid societal pushback and repercussions. Crumbling under pressure is easy, but God does not call us to do what is easy, comfortable, or convenient. God calls us to walk a narrow difficult path (Matthew 7:13-14) growing in sanctification so that our set apart lifestyle may serve as a witness to those who do not yet know Christ. (1 Thessalonians 4:1-12) Even after fending off the enemy's attacks Nehemiah did not let his guard down and offer an opportunity for them to gain a foothold. In the same way we must remain "alert and of sober mind" because our "enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8-9) Whether your mission field is a small village overseas or the hearts of your own family, the work God has set before you is valuable and worth defending. 

Ezra and Nehemiah are an incredible example of God’s people putting their trust in Him and persevering in the face of adversity. I highly encourage you to study them further. A great place to start is the EnduringWord commentary. I also recommend reading Daniel 9, Isaiah 44:26 - 28, Jeremiah 25:11-13 and 29:10, and 2 Chronicles 36:22–23 for further context into the way prophecy is fulfilled through these accounts.

Thank you for reading! I hope revisiting this short devotion from the Spring & Summer 2024 Newsletter encouraged you today. I pray that as you serve Christ you will remain firm in truth and focused on the task at hand in the face of adversity.