Trouble, adversity, detours, bumps in the road, tragedies are not words we want to hear or experience, but they are the everyday experiences of life. James 1:2 challenges us to “count it as joy” when we face trials. Nehemiah and his band of followers faced great trials. They were accused of sedition and rebellion against the King of Babylon, even the accusation that the people were making Nehemiah king (6:6).
The adversaries, Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem the Arab were trying to build fear in the people, thinking: “Their hands will drop from the work, and it will not be done” (6:9). They wanted Nehemiah to run away in fear (6:11).
This practice sounds like some of the everyday experiences of believers and particularly the united community of God’s people. When we act together doing the work of God, know that we will always have opposition.
Remember Nehemiah’s words: “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (8:10). See his actions from our passage. First, he called the people together – there is great power and encouragement when God’s people come together. Second, he shared the situation and accusation made against him and his people – very important for the people of God to know the truth in dealing with adversity. Third, Nehemiah and the people prayed – spiritual leaders and God’s people pray for the power of God, His protection, and asked God to “remember” their adversaries.
Prayer/Challenge
God, guide our church leaders as we face adversaries. May the community of faith at Calvary be a source of strength building an overcoming spirit as we see You work, and we seek to make, mature, and multiply disciples in Winston-Salem and the world.
