Nehemiah 6 – Inevitable

Last night I watched an interesting documentary about Air Force One. What an amazing display of technology. What struck me as amazing was the fact that I was awed with just the things that they were willing to show on television. I could only imagine the capabilities they did not reveal. The bottom line is that the aircraft is designed with every threat in mind. When they learn of a new threat, or a possible weakness, they simply eliminate it with an immediate upgrade. They are constantly looking because there is constant opposition.

In light of the recent election and presidential inauguration I couldn’t help but think about the opposition that comes with such a heavy task. For every President winning an election, nearly half of all Americans did not vote for him and disagree with the majority of his ideals. No matter his successes, he can expect a season of opposition and criticism. Opposition is inherent such a position.

“Then Sanballat and Geshem sent a message to me, saying, “Come, let us meet together at Chephirim in the plain of Ono.” But they were planning to harm me.

So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?” – Nehemiah 6:2-3

The rebuilding of the wall around Jerusalem was an amazing feat. It was accomplished through the leading and provision of God. And it came with much opposition. Direct, indirect, and covert. God was at work. So was the enemy. There will always be great opposition when great things are happening.

The key is to be ready and expecting it without allowing it to derail or distract us. This is hard for most of us. Although we know opposition is possible, we forget that it’s inevitable. Just another great reason to lean on His strength and understanding, another great reason to focus on His work and not our work, another great reason to make sure we are in His wake. Hopefully, then, we can be like Nehemiah and see the attack for what it is: A distraction from the great work God is doing.

So let’s take a moment to think about the tasks we have. The enemy plans against us in our attempt to love God and others. He plots against us as husbands, as fathers, as friends, and as neighbors. He encourages the ways of neglect, complacency, selfishness, and pride. He stands in opposition directly, indirectly, and covertly. He attacks our insecurity, our history, and he knows how to make it personal.

Be prayerful. Be expectant. Be ready.