START TALKING

What is an example of someone or something opposing you when you had a goal or had a dream? How was criticism part of that opposition?

Disagreement becomes opposition and criticism when one side feels threatened by the other. Where do you see this as being most prevalent in our culture? How would realizing that I or they are threatened by something change the way we approach that disagreement?

START THINKING

Read Nehemiah 4:1-3. What are these men threatened by? What do they attack when they are criticizing and what do you notice about the things that they say?

What do you think is the connection between anger/rage and criticism?

What is the goal(s) of the criticism in these first three verses? How is this the same in the criticism that you have faced or that you will face?

START SHARING

Read Nehemiah 4:3 in the NIV. What does Tobiah get wrong in his criticism of Nehemiah and the people? When have you been criticized for doing what God wanted you to do and how can you see now (or did you see then) that the criticism was really against God and not you? What was the threat that you or your calling posed for your opposition?

Read Nehemiah 4:4-9. What does Nehemiah do both times that opposition comes? Why is prayer the best and first response to opposition and criticism? What is usually your natural response to being criticized (be honest!)? How can you turn to prayer instead?

What do you think is the greatest opportunity for you in the opposition that you are facing? Or what was the greatest opportunity in opposition and criticism that you experienced, even if you missed the opportunity at the time?

START DOING

Read Nehemiah 4:6. What do you notice that Nehemiah does NOT do after praying about his critics and opposition? What do you need to do to stay focused on your calling in this way? How can we help each other do that in our micro church?

What do you hear the Holy Spirit telling you to do that you may be afraid of because of the opposition that it will bring? What can you do about it so that you continue being who He has called you to be and doing what He has called you to do?

This week, read Nehemiah 4 on your own through the end of the chapter and ask God what He wants you to learn about opposition and when it seems like there is no energy left to do what you are called to do!

START PRAYING

Have each person in the microchurch share what they feel like the Holy Spirit is showing them their passion and their purpose is and the opposition and criticism that is coming, has come, or may come because of it. Pray for each person to resist internalizing that, but to realize that the opposition is against God. Pray for each person to stay focused on their calling through prayer and for each of us to help encourage each other and hold each other accountable to the calling God has for each of us!