Keep Building: How to Face Opposition with Confidence

Have you ever started working toward a goal – one in obedience to God’s call on your life – only to be met with brash negativity or contempt from others? The biblical story of Nehemiah reminds us that opposition will surely come, especially when we are headed in the right direction. But it’s how we respond to the adversity that determines how efficiently we do the work we are called to do.

There are at least 5 things Nehemiah did in response to the enemy which are worth noting for us today:

1. Know Who You Are

Nehemiah had a huge burden from the Lord to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and even had the King’s blessing to do so. But he immediately received harsh ridicule from the jealous governor of Samaria and his assistant. Nehemiah did not back down, however. And his response reminds us to not only remain confident in God and our inheritance in Him, but also to put the enemy in his place.

“The God of heaven will help us succeed. We, his servants, will start rebuilding this wall. But you have no share, legal right, or historic claim in Jerusalem.”

Nehemiah 2:20

2. Let God Handle it

The second time Nehemiah’s adversaries came around mocking and angry at the work he was doing, Nehemiah did not respond to them. Instead, he prayed to God (even against his enemies) and continued working. Once he said his peace, Nehemiah did not keep trying to explain or defend himself but gave it directly to God.

“Hear us, our God, for we are being mocked. May their scoffing fall back on their own heads, and may they themselves become captives in a foreign land!”

Nehemiah 4:4

3. Recognize the Enemy’s Tactics

At this point in Nehemiah’s story, his original adversaries had talked to others, spread rumors, and recruited many more haters. In fact, enemies on every side “conspired together to come and attack Jerusalem and create confusion” (4:8). Nehemiah was not deterred. He recognized the enemy’s intimidation tactics to destroy the work God was doing, and he decided to be proactive and face it head-on.

” Nevertheless, we made our prayer to God, and because of them we set a watch against them day and night.”

Nehemiah 4:9

4. Put on the Armor of God

The people of Judah were becoming tired and afraid. So, Nehemiah positioned men around the walls, instructing them to arm themselves and to fight for their families. Even while they worked, they kept a sword at their sides, reminding us to always be ready to combat the true enemy with the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. And like He did for Nehemiah, God will bring the enemy’s plot to nothing (4:15).

“Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses.”

Nehemiah 4:14b

5. Stay the Course

Right before the wall was finally complete, the enemies of Nehemiah ramped up their intimidation. They sent five messages full of lies and even sent a false prophet to trick him into leaving his post. Nevertheless, Nehemiah stayed firm in his convictions. This time, he caught on to the tactic of the enemy to even try to mimic the voice of God. Thankfully, Nehemiah knew God well enough to reject this false prophecy.

Notice that what originally began as mocking and ridicule, escalated to spiritual manipulation. Don’t be surprised if the opposition becomes stronger the closer you get to the goal! But through it all, Nehemiah remained faithful to God and to the mission God placed on his life and completed a massive undertaking in only 52 days. We can do likewise. When opposition arises – either through our loved ones, others around us, or even from our own doubting minds – we must remember who the true enemy is and stand firm.

Keep building!

Have you ever met a goal in your life in spite of negativity and criticism from others? How do you effectively deal with opposition? I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment below! If this post encouraged you, please pass it along. 🙂

Anna De Lay

I am a wife, homeschool mom, musician, and songwriter; but most importantly, I am a daughter of the King. My heart’s desire is to draw closer to God and bring other people with me! Truly, there is no greater joy.