“When word came to Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab and the rest of our enemies that I had rebuilt the wall and not a gap was left in it—though up to that time I had not set the doors in the gates— Sanballat and Geshem sent me this message: ‘Come, let us meet together in one of the villages on the plain of Ono.’ But they were scheming to harm me…”
– Nehemiah 6:1-2
Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem. These men were enemies of Nehemiah and the people. They did not want the work of the Lord completed. So, they came up with lies about Nehemiah and spread them everywhere. They even threatened his very life. It was unjust treatment toward him and the others involved in good work. Yet the opposition may have caused some undue mental pressure and distress. Maybe even depression.
Nehemiah was wise to recognize his enemies, and as a result, he knew how to battle against them. He realized these men were trying to instill fear and began praying to God. And what was God’s response? He heard the prayers and delivered them!
We often experience God tugging on our hearts, and when we begin “rebuilding” the walls of our lives, Satan comes along to steal our joy. He often opens doors with easy access to the things we are trying to avoid. We then get discouraged and fearful and fall back into those areas that keep us from rebuilding.
The Bible says Satan came to “kill, steal and destroy,” and we must recognize his devices. The Bible does not leave us lying beaten on the ground, though! It also says that Jesus came to “give life and that more abundantly.” And just like we need to recognize Satan’s devices, we must acknowledge Jesus’ strength and help.
Have you begun to “rebuild” and are now experiencing opposition? Do you even sense oppression, depression, and anxiety? Satan does not want you to have hope; he wants you to fear and turn back. Recognize the enemy and his tactics and pray like Nehemiah. The Lord will deliver you!
“…we are not alone. Legions of angels are all around us. Hosts of glorified spirits look down upon us. We are surrounded by a mighty band of helpers. We are compassed about with a great cloud of witnesses; wherefore, “let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus.”
– Charles Spurgeon
surrendered devotions 