OPPOSITION

Nehemiah 6:5-9
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

5 The fifth time, Sanballat’s servant came with an open letter in his hand, 6 and this is what it said:

“There is a rumor among the surrounding nations, and Geshem tells me it is true, that you and the Jews are planning to rebel and that is why you are building the wall. According to his reports, you plan to be their king. 7 He also reports that you have appointed prophets in Jerusalem to proclaim about you, ‘Look! There is a king in Judah!’

“You can be very sure that this report will get back to the king, so I suggest that you come and talk it over with me.”

8 I replied, “There is no truth in any part of your story. You are making up the whole thing.”

9 They were just trying to intimidate us, imagining that they could discourage us and stop the work. So I continued the work with even greater determination.


Read Nehemiah 6:1-14 to see the three ways Nehemiah’s enemies tried to distract him from his mission.

Believers will face opposition. It can’t be avoided. Follow Nehemiah’s model; (1) retain your focus, (2) confront any false accusations immediately with integrity and (3) pray to God for strength and wisdom. God is eager to help you.

Who is the opposition in your faith walk? No matter how strong the opposition seems, God is a more powerful ally. Don’t go it on your own.