Nehemiah's Response to CrisisNäide

Opposition Will Come—Stay the Course

In Nehemiah chapter 4, we meet Sanballat and Tobiah—two men who rise up to oppose the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls. Their resistance isn’t mere mockery; it’s a serious threat that could easily turn violent. Nehemiah can’t ignore it—he must face it head-on.

Opposition often comes after we start making progress. Success can give us a false sense of invincibility, making us complacent. But Nehemiah is different. He doesn’t let the threat paralyze him. He stays focused, perseveres, and keeps the work going.

Back in chapter 3, we saw Nehemiah wisely delegate the rebuilding work. Different groups were assigned various sections of the wall. This wasn’t just about efficiency—it was about ownership. Nehemiah empowered the people to take responsibility for their part. The result? He didn’t just build a wall. He built a team.

A team that stood firm in the face of opposition—because the work wasn’t just Nehemiah’s project. It was their project. They weren’t hired hands—they were stakeholders.

Let’s Ponder

Are you trying to carry the mission alone?
What’s driving your effort—personal glory or God’s calling?