Scripture Reading: Nehemiah 4:1-23, Psalm 41:4-13, 1 Peter 5:6-11
The other day I was sitting on the living room floor with my two young kids surrounded by multicolor blocks. Construction was well underway on our tallest tower to date when one of my children launched themselves like a missile straight into our masterpiece. Blocks went flying. Tears started flowing (maybe mine).
It’s hard to keep building when you know someone is ready to knock down your progress. While wooden blocks are no big deal, I also know the challenge of taking risks and pouring effort into a project when you feel opposition all around you. We see this truth in our lives and in Scripture, progress rarely coming without a fight.
In Nehemiah 4, the Israelites were working hard to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. They were stepping into the back-breaking work God had called them to, and immediately they faced ridicule. They were called weak, feeble, and even foolish. Their lives were at risk as they built with one hand and carried a weapon of defense in the other.
Can we relate? We may not be rebuilding an ancient wall, but we are building the kingdom of God in our homes, relationships, ministries, businesses, and more. As we step out in faith, we may face criticism from others, hostile circumstances, or destructive lies that try to knock us down.
However, Nehemiah didn’t let mockery and threats derail the mission. Instead, he directed the people to remember God’s great power. This wasn’t toxic positivity, it was a call for courageous dependence. Nehemiah reminded the people that the outcome doesn’t depend on their skill but on the “great and awe-inspiring Lord” (Nehemiah 4:14).
He also encouraged the people to remember who they were fighting for: their families and communities. As Christ followers, we shouldn’t join in God’s work for our own glory but because we are motivated by love of God and His people. When the going gets tough, remembering who we’re building with and who we’re building for can renew our strength.
If we are committed to any meaningful call from God, we should actually expect problems to arise. As the apostle Peter made clear, “Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour” (1Peter 5:8). Whether we realize it or not, when we do the Lord’s work we take sides in a spiritual battle. The enemy wants to destroy our hope and distract us from God’s call, but Nehemiah and Peter both urged us to resist and stand firm in faith. Progress in the face of opposition isn’t about striving; it’s about relying on God’s strength.
Problems don’t necessarily mean we’re doing something wrong; they might mean we’re doing something right that the enemy wants to squash.
We may be mocked. We may feel outnumbered. But we do not build alone. The great and awe-inspiring Lord has our backs. What God started He will finish victoriously, and we are blessed to join Him in His restoring work.
Written by Kaitie Stoddard
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4 thoughts on "Progress Despite Opposition"
What a terribly stressful circumstance this must have been for the Jews. Opposition and death threats while they were trying to do hard, manual labor. The enemy’s goal (which has not changed over the years) – to steal and kill and destroy! BUT, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, establish, strengthen and support you after you suffer for a little while. Hang on weary soldier, relief is coming!
This chapter stands out to me because @ 40 years ago I was in a Sunday school class and the best Sunday school teacher I’ve ever had was teaching this. He emphasized “the people had a mind to work ” .he was and still a worker for God . Even though he has parkinsons ,he’s there every Sunday . He’s a Godly example to my husband and i.
As you all may know, I recently retired from my job with the church after 18 years of serving ALL to the best of my ability..
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At my last farewell gathering,(5 in total) the 60 odd guest were asked if any wanted to say a few words on how they would remember me on the journey of serving. Most hands went up.. but the lead pastor got to speak first.. his leading words were..”her fierce love..” He then began to relate the story of how the powers that be wanted me to use more expensive sausages for a ten week course they were running, because the ones I was serving were a tad inferior. They were sausages. They were tasty. They were reasonably priced and jazzed up in a casserole with mash and vegetables they were a decent meal!
Already I was cross that they were not being good stewards of the monies given, but then to tell me to continue to serve the ‘inferior’ sausages to the disadvantaged had my blood boiling!
Excuse me! What!!!
What was so special about the people on the course? Why, if you are introducing them to Jesus do you want to have a them and us divide? Did Jesus not love the unfortunate as much as the fortunate? Did He not die for US ALL on that cross or did I get the Gospel wrong?
Seriously!
To say I was mad would be an understatement..
I’m sorry but, you do not belittle someone who is down, no matter what.. treat them as you would want to be treated..
I argued, I fought, I offered my resignation..
Needless to say, everyone was eating the same sausages after thst!
I pray now, in retirement that I will still carry thst ‘..fierce love..’ in ALL I do and am.
Opposition may come at a cost, but for God and His people, it will always be worth it.. because He will always, always guide you right and be with you in the fight!
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BUT GOD.
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AMEN.
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Can you believe it’s the weekend?
Be blessed as you carry some ‘fierce love’ in your heart for those whose voices are not heard !
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Much love and hugs wrapped in grateful prayers for you all..♥️♥️♥️♥️
Keep at it, even when others think you’re being foolish. God sees and loves every (seemingly) little thing you do. Satan sees it too, and will try to take you down. Don’t let that happen. ❤️