Don’t be discouraged by opposition

1. Get active

Superman hold

Lie face down on the floor or on a mat with your arms stretched above your head (like Superman).

Raise your arms and legs off the floor as far as you can for three seconds. Then return to the starting position.

Do the movement 10 times, resting as needed.

Superman and lunge challenge

Work in pairs. One person does a superman hold with arms and legs off the floor while the other person does six lunges. Swap places and repeat. Do three rounds.

2. Rest and talk

• Have you ever been so discouraged you felt like giving up? Who or what helped you to keep going?

Nehemiah visits Jerusalem and sees the destruction. He gathers the people together and inspires them to rebuild. In Nehemiah chapter 3 all the different families and what they did to help rebuild the city walls are listed. People of very different backgrounds worked together to build the walls including silversmiths, servants, perfume makers, and leaders. Ordinary people like you and me. However, opposition to the work starts. How does Nehemiah respond?

3. Read the Bible passage

Nehemiah 4:1-3, 6-9.

4. Discuss

The people who were against the rebuilding of the walls began their opposition by using words of discouragement. Talk about some of the insults and unkind words you have experienced.

• Have you ever used any of these words towards someone else?

Read verse 6 to see how much effect these words had. The second attack came with actions (verses 7-8). Talk again about any unkind actions you have experienced.

• How did Nehemiah and the people prepare to defend themselves (verse 9)?
• What are some godly ways we can respond when people deliberately intend to hurt us?

Chat to God: Pray that God would help you to use words that heal rather than words that hurt. Draw or write your prayers on bandaid strips. Stick these up in your home as a reminder.

Tomorrow we’ll see what happens when everyone stays focused on God and the task He has given them.