Opposition, Persistent Prayer, and a Sword Fight

a Bible reflection about how Nehemiah gave his battle to the Lord (with voiceover)

Life is full of challenges. You jump hurdles and overcome obstacles regularly. Sometimes, you can work your way past difficult situations and uncompromising people through strategic planning, critical thinking, and open conversation. But there are other times when your mental effort just isn’t enough. When your struggle isn’t against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces who have one goal: to render you useless to the kingdom of God.

This battle is not won through mental strategies but through persistence, prayer, and a sword fight.

Recall the incredible story of Nehemiah. This humble cupbearer turned into an outstanding leader and a great Godly example.  He saw a need in his community and sought the Lord’s guidance to lead his people in fulfilling that need. Along the way, he faced opposition.

God put in Nehemiah’s heart a purpose and a plan to lead His people in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. It had been in ruins for far too long after the Israelites had survived being exiled.  This grieved Nehemiah, the cupbearer of the king, so much that after praying fervently for forgiveness on behalf of his people, he built up the courage to ask permission from the king to rebuild the wall.  It was in God’s plan because not only did the king say YES, he gave Nehemiah the resources to build it and officially announced that his permission was granted through a letter.

Of course, wherever God is working, there is opposition.  There were a few racist officials who felt threatened by the progress of "these people", God’s people.  They tried every tactic they could think of to slow the progress of the wall; they mocked the workers, threatened them, schemed, even lied, and started rumors.  

At one point, they plotted to physically fight against God’s people. But Nehemiah didn’t stop the work, he prayed,

“Hear us, our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads. Give them over as plunder in a land of captivity. Do not cover up their guilt or blot out their sins from your sight, for they have thrown insults in the face of the builders” (4:4-5).

Did you know you could pray for someone’s sin to be revealed? That the truth would be exposed? That justice would be served? Absolutely. I’m a witness that God answers such prayers.

Even still, the people who were following Nehemiah became tired and discouraged because their enemy was plotting to kill them. So Nehemiah stationed guards in several areas surrounding the workers. Then he encouraged the people,

“Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fights for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes” (4:14).

The people of God were confident once again and returned to their work.

Now think about those times when you have been tired or even afraid as you faced opposition in the work that you were doing in the Name of the Lord. One of the first things that you can do is remember that this battle is not yours, it’s the Lord’s. Don’t be afraid.  Remember who fights for you and declare God’s power! This is a reminder not only to yourself but to those who oppose you.

Here is another verse from the same  chapter,

“From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows, and armor” (4:16).

Now, think about the work that you are doing for the Lord.  Do you have people around you who are using the power of prayer and praise to protect you from the enemy?

Here’s another resounding Word,

“Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other, and each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked…” (4:17-18).

Where is your weapon? Is God’s Word in your heart so that you can remember the Word of the Lord when opposition comes up against you? Where is your weapon? Where is your sword?

Eph. 6:10-18 says that as believers, we have the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

The enemy does not want you to accomplish the plan that has been given to you by the Lord.  His goal is to stop your progress by any means. If you are busy being fearful, he sees that as a win.  If you are busy being anxious, he sees that as a win.  If he sees you put down your weapon, he sees that as a win.  If he sees that you are no longer praying and that nobody else around you is praying with you, he sees that as a win.  If he sees that you are so caught up in doing the work of the Lord that you neglect your time with the Lord, he sees that as a win.

Let us not give the enemy any inclination that the work will not go forth in Jesus’ Name!  Remember who is fighting for you. Gather your team of prayer warriors and worshippers. And always keep your sword by your side.

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