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You hide them in the shelter of your presence, safe from those who conspire against them. You shelter them in your presence, far from accusing tongues. —Psalm 31:20
Nehemiah found a waiting enemy in Sanballat. As soon as Sanballat heard about Nehemiah’s intentions to rebuild Jerusalem, he and his cronies mocked and ridiculed Nehemiah (Nehemiah 4:1-3). Whenever you launch out for God in obedience to His Word, the devil will be right there to tell you how foolish you are to even consider such an idea. He points to those who have tried the same thing but failed. He questions your motives, accusing you of only wanting recognition. He laughs at you in hopes that you will never start, for he knows that when you are resolved to finish, “the God of heaven will help [you] succeed” (Nehemiah 2:20). For Nehemiah, when the battle was over and the wall rebuilt, he could say with David, “Praise the Lord, for he has shown me his unfailing love. He kept me safe when my city was under attack” (Psalm 31:21). Whatever you are doing for the Lord, “be strong and take courage, all you who put your hope in the Lord” (Psalm 31:24). Let the enemy ridicule, scorn, and mock, but God will have the last laugh!
Suggested Reading:
Nehemiah 1:1-3:14
1 Corinthians 7:1-24
Psalm 31:19-24
Proverbs 21:4