We have a loving God who heals our hearts and lives, and we have a vicious enemy who is always seeking to destroy them (John 10:10). Even more so when he sees progression in our lives.
"...I had rebuilt the wall and not a gap was left in it-" 6:1
Ever so nonchalantly our buddy shares this huge victory! Hard work and effort and determination had been disciplined by Neh and others for this to happen, but the glory belonged to The Lord.
In the same breath of this proclamation, Neh tells us that his enemies were "scheming to harm me;" (6:2). His enemies did not come out and say harm was their mission, but God given wisdom and discernment was given to Nehemiah to test their invitations to meet.
Not only once did they ask Neh to meet, but four times they insisted! The enemy doesn't give up easily, friends. Nehemiah consistently responded to each four invitations with reason. He was not going to leave his work to meet without valid cause.
Clearly seeing that Neh was not willing to meet their request, they changed their game plan. The fifth advance of this attack came with a sealed letter reading:
"It is reported among the nations and Geshem says it is true - that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and therefore you are building the wall. Moreover, according to these reports you are about to become their king and have even appointed prophets to make this proclamation about you in Jerusalem: "There is a king in Judah!" Now this report will get back to the king; so come, let us meet together." 6:6-7
Nah, Neh's not having it.
"I sent him this reply: Nothing like what you are saying is happening; you are just making it up out of your head." 6:8
In desperation, Neh's enemies straight up lie! They accuse, mislead, and make up info to try and sway our buddy. Those are the tools of the theif!
Sweetheart, if news comes to you in this manner, be sure to test it before God, and know this is not His nature! The Lord does not accuse, he convicts to bring us to Himself. In fact, Satan himself is called the Accuser (Rev. 12:10)!!
"They were trying to frighten us, thinking "Their hands will get to weak for the work, and it will not be completed. But I prayed, "Now strengthen my hands." 6:9
Neh saw straight through the intent of this message. But even in his determination, Nehemiah was weak. Only human. He knew it would take God's strength to complete and combat. So reaching out in confidence, he invited God in once again.
We learn from our friend in his consistency to pray when he faces opposition. Because attack wasn't stopping there...Each time the attacks against him became more deceitful, hidden, and harder to discern. And each time The Lord gave Nehemiah what was needed to see the truth.
While visiting a local resident's home, a third attack is attempted. The suggestion is made to leave:
"Let us meet in the house of God, inside the temple, and let us close the temple doors, because men are coming to kill you - by night they are coming to kill you." 6:10
Though intent initially appeared to be good, Neh refused the idea of running away from trouble that confronted him. It is important for us to look deeper than the surface of a matter.
God also allows Nehemiah to see that "God had not sent him (the message deliverer). He had been hired to intimidate me so that I would commit a sin by doing this, and then they would give me a bad name to discredit me." 6:12-13
If Satan cannot stop you by discouraging you, he will try to tempt and discredit you.
This is not God's nature! The Lord is the exact opposite!
"A thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance." - John 10:10
The Lord we serve is completely able. He is full of wisdom to direct us, strength to fuel us, and had abundant life to give us. The mission in front of you might seem difficult... and it is, love. On our own we have nothing, but in Jesus we have it all! Look to Him, as our buddy Neh did. Ask Him to strengthen you to press forward, and to equip you with discernment & wisdom.
"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." - James 1:5
His ways are good, and His precepts are trustworthy, and He always comes through! Though war wages against us, He will not lose us in battle if we choose Him!
Happy weekend, loves <3
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