How to Overcome Opposition: Prayer, Confidence, and Vigilance

Nehemiah 4

So far in the book of Nehemiah, we have already seen multiple instances of opposition when living in obedience to the Lord. But what is the essence of this opposition and what might it look like in our own context?

The opposition that Nehemiah faced was multiform and grew in frequency and intensity. The first sign of opposition was that the antagonists, Sanballat and Tobiah, were merely displeased (Neh 2.10). There wasn't much that Nehemiah noticed at the time. However, as God's purpose for Nehemiah grew, so did the opposition. Later in that chapter, Sanballat and Tobiah began to jeer and accuse/question Nehemiah's motives (2.19). When the building of the wall was progressing, Sanballat and Tobiah became even angrier and raised doubts that Nehemiah's efforts were futile (4.1-3). Later in that chapter, they became even angrier and tried to oppose Nehemiah's efforts through hostile force and confusion (4.7-8; see more in 6.1-14). 

Similarly for us, when God is using us for his purposes, we will also experience opposition. While there might not be a Sanballat or Tobiah in our lives, the essence of opposition will be similar: it will grow in frequency and intensity as we are bringing greater glory to God, and the opposition will manifest in many forms (whether direct attack, subtle confusion, doubts/questions, discouraging narratives, etc.).

How do Nehemiah and the people of God counter these oppositions? It is with the same emphasis that God has been placing on our church community over the past year: with a three-dimensional view of life. Because Nehemiah was more influenced by the presence of God than the presence of opposition, his natural reaction was prayer. Notice how Nehemiah responds to each of the attacks in chapter 4:

"Hear, O our God, for we are despised. Turn back their taunt on their own heads and give them up to be plundered in a land where they are captives." (4.4)

 "And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night." (4.9)

 Another implication of having a three-dimensional view on life was that Nehemiah did not fear the opposition: "Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes" (4.14). Instead of being intimidated by the opposition, he focused more on God, who is great and awesome, and was therefore vigilant. As we continue to take steps toward glorifying the Lord, let us not be surprised at the multiform, frequent, and intense opposition that we will inevitably face. Instead, let us respond with a three-dimensional view that exudes prayer, confidence in the Lord, and vigilance.