Nehemiah's Response to CrisisNäide

Why Progress Meets Opposition

Sanballat and Tobiah opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem because it threatened their power and interests. Opposition doesn’t come out of nowhere—it often rises when someone’s comfort, control, or influence is challenged.

Let’s not be naive. If we commit to doing something meaningful—something that brings real and lasting change—we should expect resistance. When light pierces darkness, the darkness pushes back. Your obedience to God will likely unsettle someone who benefits from the status quo. And they won’t just sit by quietly.

This is not new. It happened with Jesus. With Paul. With the early Church. And it still happens today. So, how did Nehemiah respond?

He posted guards—and he prayed.

To some, prayer might seem like a weak or overly spiritual response in a moment of crisis. But for Nehemiah, prayer wasn’t passive—it was powerfully practical. It was his way of surrendering the threat to the One who reigns above all, while still doing what he could with wisdom and courage.

Nehemiah and his team placed their fears and their mission in God’s hands. And that’s what gave them the strength to keep building—even when opposition roared.

Let’s Ponder

Are you preparing yourself—and your team—for the resistance that comes with progress?
Will fear stop you—or will faith steady you?