The Arkansas Traveler

OVERCOMING OPPOSITION

Nehemiah 4:6-21

INTRO: As Nehemiah organized the people to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, there were some who did not want it to happen. They tried to stop him. As we consider how Nehemiah overcame this opposition, we will draw some principles for dealing with difficulties in our service to the Lord.

OBSTACLES THAT HE FACED

   Threats from Sanballat and Tobiah (vs. 7-8)

   Discouraged workers. The work is too hard (10)

   Fearful people. (11)

   Distractions (chapter 6)

      Nehemiah was asked to come meet Sanballat and others.

      Sanballat threatened to report his plot to the king. (5-7)

      False prophet warned him to flee to the temple (10)

WHAT NEHEMIAH DID IN RESPONSE

   He first PRAYED (vs. 9)

   Posted a guard

   Made plans to proceed

   He refused to be distracted. He was focused on the job.

   The people finished the job in 52 days!

LESSONS FOR US

   Know that opposition will come.

   Trust God as you move head.

   Refuse to be distracted.  Be focused.

    Be confident in God – not in your own ability.

   Trust God. That cannot be said too much!

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Sermon preached in Greenville, CA, January 29, 2006.