100 Days to a Healthier ChurchSample

Day 47

Today’s Big Idea: Nehemiah faces opposition. No great work goes on without opposition. Sometimes it’s external, sometimes it’s internal. But it always comes. But remember that the presence of opposition does not mean the absence of God.

Key Verse: They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.” But I prayed, “Now strengthen my hands” (Nehemiah 6:9).

Thoughts to Consider: Nehemiah’s enemies didn’t attack him or the workers head on. They employed scare tactics, then delay tactics. But Nehemiah wouldn’t be diverted from the task God had called him to. Instead of praying that the burden be lifted, Nehemiah prayed that his hands would be strengthened. As this project moves forward, there will be challenges, even outright attacks. The goal of those attacks will be to stop your work from reaching its goal. But remember this—if God called you, He will strengthen you.