How can we apply Nehemiah's courage in our own spiritual challenges? Setting the Scene Nehemiah has permission from King Artaxerxes to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls. The moment he steps forward in faith, three regional power-players close ranks to stop him. The Opposition Rises Nehemiah 2:19: “But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard about it, they mocked us and despised us, saying, ‘What is this you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?’” Mockery, false accusation, intimidation—that cocktail still tries to paralyze believers today. Lessons in Courage from Nehemiah • Identify the enemy’s tactics – Mockery (“they mocked us”) tries to shame us into silence. – Despising (“they… despised us”) aims to crush identity and worth. – False accusation (“Are you rebelling…?”) seeks to create fear of earthly consequences. • Anchor identity in God’s calling, not public opinion (compare Galatians 1:10). • Answer, don’t argue. Nehemiah replies briefly, then gets back to work (see 2:20). • Keep vision larger than threats—Nehemiah’s eyes stay on a restored city, not on scoffers’ faces. • Surround yourself with like-hearted believers; the text says “they mocked us.” Nehemiah isn’t standing alone. Walking in Courage Today 1. Expect pushback whenever you obey God. 2 Timothy 3:12 reminds us, “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” 2. Speak truth, then keep building. Silence is not cowardice; strategic brevity can be bold (Proverbs 26:4-5 balance). 3. Remember whose approval matters—Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous… for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” 4. Rehearse God’s past faithfulness. Nehemiah had already seen the king’s heart change; he knew the Lord would finish what He started. Reinforcements from the Rest of Scripture • Psalm 27:1—“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” • 2 Timothy 1:7—“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” • Acts 4:18-20—Peter and John, like Nehemiah, refuse to stop God’s work even under threat. • Ephesians 6:10-11—“Be strong in the Lord… put on the full armor of God.” Spiritual armor, not social approval, equips us for ridicule. Practical Steps for This Week • Write down one area where ridicule has kept you silent; pray through Ephesians 6:10-18 over it. • Speak a concise, truthful sentence of faith the next time opposition surfaces—then move on. • Share Nehemiah 2:19-20 with a friend and commit to encourage each other whenever resistance appears. |
    |