REMEMBER THE LORD… AND FIGHT. Nehemiah 4:13-15 Nehemiah was not unaware of what was going on, but rather than being "hard-nosed," he wisely set visible guards for those outside and inside. He knew what God wanted and repeatedly put each problem into God's hands in prayer and confidence. Then, in faith, he took the appropriate action, which would have silenced the opposition from his own people.
But even more than that, he involved those people in such a way that they could neither refute nor avoid their need to keep at the work. He set guards at weak spots and made sure everyone had weapons close by to "fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives and your houses." That made the work personal.
We must preserve what we know is right, no matter what others around us may do. Our families need protection from the ungodly ways of the world. Our children have the right to look to us as stable and trustworthy in upholding the biblical standards and values by which we live. We need to share our concerns with others and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with those of "like precious faith." Criticism, rumors, and gossip create fear among those new to the faith or unfamiliar with the joy of living by faith.
Just remember that God’s purposes and His grace are sufficient for us to accomplish whatever task He gives us. The demands of the work, physical and emotional discouragement, and threats can drain us, but these can be overcome when we remember the One who chose us, called us, and gives us the power to do what He wants. He has promised to be with us all the way.
When we take time to consider the effect of our actions, or lack of action, it helps us look beyond problems in our present circumstances to what is lasting and far more important. The generation to come needs to know that the truth of God is personal to us, and it is our desire that it be so for them. That impact will not come from words alone when passing on truth, but when my life and activities in business and pleasure reflect what I believe. If those coming behind leaders in families, assemblies, and nations do not see consistency in standards, principles, and practices, they will move into their future like a ship without a rudder. We must commit ourselves to the truth and the work needed to maintain that truth before our people.
When we know what God wants us to do, we must keep it before us always as the motivating strength to continue through setbacks, defeats, and discouragement. God has called us to complete a work. We are to do this in faith, with persistence, perseverance, and pain if necessary. Opposition is really "par for the course." The rewards come after the work is done, not if we stop halfway through.
Nehemiah did not shy away from the "blood, sweat, and tears" that come with opposition. He recognized that leadership is not a status that exempts one from the common tasks we should share with others. "Important work" includes applying oneself and one's leadership skills to the work of the Lord alongside all of God's people in our charge.
A person may be able to organize, delegate, and remain calm under pressure - even understand the power of prayer - but none of those things exempt us from putting our "necks" into the work. We should never expect others to do what we are not willing to do ourselves. Leadership involves knowing what to do and doing it in fellowship with all those who labor in that work for the Lord.
The narrative Nehemiah gives of the work of rebuilding the walls is emphasized by linking successive challenges to the overall objective through the phrase, "It came to pass." The enthusiasm and vigor applied to the project were a real contrast to the mindset of the people there in years past. So, when Sanballat, Tobiah, and the other leaders who surrounded Jerusalem on four sides heard that the wall was being linked up and rising rapidly, they weren't just angry; they were "very wroth." People can get very upset when a work for God is being done successfully. We can expect more than one form of opposition and from more than one direction. It is important for us to remember, "we wrestle not with flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." There are enemies all around us, some we can see and some we don't. They don't want God’s truth, nor do they want to follow what the Bible teaches, but would rather reject its unchanging standards. “The friendship of the world is enmity against God.” Those who won't commit themselves to God, nor put their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, have to face the consequences of willful acts. Their only consideration is what they think they need, and they ignore the outcome of unassailable facts.
Is there some way, Father, some steps that I can take to impress those who know me that what I say can, if they act on the truth alone, make a difference that changes what leads to darkness into the light of day? And those who follow them- family and their friends- if challenged with the truth they personally know, will bring a fruitful harvest seen before life ends, because in their return to faith, it again will grow.