From Rubble to RestorationSample

The Naysayers

Have you ever had a naysayer?  Someone who heard about your natural path to healing and wanted to poo poo on it?  It can take everything you’ve got to be on a path to healing, but if you start adding in doubts from critics, that’s one more thing that can hinder your healing.

Our story in Nehemiah is full of naysayers.  The Jewish remnant started the enormous task of rebuilding the burned and decimated wall and gates around Jerusalem.  As word got out about what they were doing, then entered the naysayers.  

The chief critic was Sanballot, the Samarian governor, a man angry about this rebuilding project. He egged on some of his associates to become critics of the builders as well.  Their hatred of the project got so bad that they teamed up to physically fight these wall builders.

So what did Nehemiah do when he heard about this possible attack? He sought God and prayed!  Take a moment and let that sink in.  The Bible never said that Nehemiah complained to friends about others insulting him.  He didn’t dish it back to his critics.  He faced an enormous threat and went straight to our all-knowing, all-powerful God.  

After praying, Nehemiah instructed the workers to post guards day and night at the lowest points of the wall where it was exposed. The workers would literally have their trowels in one hand and a spear or sword in the other.  We have our own weapon to use when the lies of the enemy are whispered in our ears.  It’s the sword of the Spirit – the Word of God.  

So if you find yourself battling your naysayers, you have our awesome Heavenly Father who wants to fight your battles for you. Seek Him when you hear that criticism, when you feel the doubts of getting well, or when you are discouraged and don’t think you can go another day.  He will silence those naysayers with His truth.  He will fight your battles for you, if you seek Him.

Questions:

1.  Have you had someone critique your path to healing?  How did you feel?  

2.  When you have experienced criticism, what has been your typical response?

3.  What are some lies you have believed about your healing journey? What are some biblical truths or promises you can use to combat those lies?