What do you do in times of discouragement and opposition? Nehemiah continued to cast vision and lead the people despite all the opposition they faced while rebuilding the wall. There is much we can learn from him about facing discouragement and opposition.
Now it happened, when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites heard that the walls of Jerusalem were being restored and the [a]gaps were beginning to be closed, that they became very angry, 8 and all of them conspired together to come and attack Jerusalem and create confusion. 9 Nevertheless we made our prayer to our God, and because of them we set a watch against them day and night.
10 Then Judah said, “The strength of the laborers is failing, and there is so much rubbish that we are not able to build the wall.” Nehemiah 4:7-10
And I looked, and arose and said to the nobles, to the leaders, and to the rest of the people, “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 4:14
Nehemiah knew that the people were weary, not only from the hard work of rebuilding but also from the constant opposition they faced. It’s natural, in times like these, to feel discouraged and tempted to give up. But Nehemiah was determined—he had come too far to let Israel’s enemies undermine the work. His leadership shines through in several key actions that helped the people press on:
First, Nehemiah organized the people by families. This approach was significant for several reasons. By grouping them in families, Nehemiah ensured no one was isolated or left vulnerable to attack. Working side by side with loved ones also deepened motivation, as they weren’t just building a wall—they were protecting each other. They knew that the wall would benefit not just themselves, but also their families and future generations.
Second, Nehemiah encouraged them not to be afraid. God had given a similar encouragement to Joshua (see Joshua 8). After dealing with sin in the camp, the Lord told Joshua not to fear, for He would grant them victory over the people of Ai. Fear and discouragement affect everyone at times, and what we do in those moments impacts the success of the visions God has given us.
Third, Nehemiah reminded them of God’s greatness. He assured them that the Lord, awesome and mighty, was on their side and would fight for them. This mission wasn’t only Nehemiah’s idea; it was God’s. Rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls was God’s plan, and He would be with them in every challenge. When we set out to rebuild parts of our own lives, we can rest in the assurance that God is the originator of that work, and He’ll see it through.
Fourth, Nehemiah cast a vision that went beyond themselves. He helped them see that this battle was for their lives, their families, and future generations. Their work would make a difference that would ripple into the future.
Are you feeling weary, defeated, or hesitant to move forward? If the Lord is leading you in your work, now is not the time to quit. Go back to His promises. What He has begun, He will bring to completion. Surround yourself with people who will pray with you, encourage you, and help you carry on. Remind yourself of the vision. Who are you fighting for? Will this work have an eternal impact? Could it create a generational blessing for those who come after you?
I encourage you to fight for your marriage, for your relationship with your children and family members. There is too much at stake, and we can’t afford to stop believing that God is the miracle worker and the great reconciler and restorer of lives and relationships!
If you’re feeling discouraged and need prayer, I would be honored to pray for you. Please feel free to leave a request in the “Comments” section below, or send me a private email at karlinefischer.knowhisways@gmail.com.