In the last post I wrote about how in the story of Nehemiah, two men called Sanballat and Tobiah were instantly disturbed by Nehemiah's plan to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
Then they laughed and accused Nehemiah of doing wrong. Nehemiah didn't fight them or go on a tirade defending himself. His answer to his newly formed panel of haters was to state his unmoving faith in God.
Sanballat and Tobiah weren't done yet. In the same way God assigns tasks to His people, the enemy assigns agitators to try and hinder the work. Yoruba people call anyone getting in the way of an important task an "enemy of progress" and they are just that.
But the God who gave you the assignment will cover it as you keep your faith in Him.
The story continues.
"But it so happened, when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, that he was furious and very indignant, and mocked the Jews." (Nehemiah 4:1)
Sanballat goes on to speak to other people, other enemies, and gather troops in his campaign against Nehemiah and his work. They asked all kinds of questions amongst themselves. "What are these feeble Jews doing?"
As I read this, God showed me people gathering to discuss and mock the work he's given His others. They gossiped (which is witchcraft- don't engage in that) and felt smug and sure the work could not be done. Standing in tight circles, they questioned the people who had been given the work as unqualified.
"Now Tobiah the Ammonite was beside him, and he said, 'Whatever they build, if even a fox goes up on it, even a fox will break down their stone wall.'" (Nehemiah 4:3)
This was not a curse on Nehemiah, but a curse on God's plan which explains why in the year we stand, the Israelites still exist but the Ammonites do not. It's not a small thing to curse God, but people sometimes do it thinking they are cursing a person or a person's idea not knowing it was God's.
At this point, Saballat, Tobiah, and the army they gathered were furious. They had gone from disturbed to laughing, to mocking, to cursing, now to anger. They organized and decided to attack.
What did Nehemiah do?
"Nevertheless, we made our prayer to God and because of them, we set a watch against them day and night." (Nehemiah 4:11)
The purpose of the curses, threats, and assembling to attack was to stop the work God had commissioned.
But even as Nehemiah positioned the workers who were rebuilding the wall strategically to defend against a possible attack and gave them weapons to defend themselves, the work continued.
Nehemiah strengthened his team, reminding them of the God who was on their side.
"Do not be afraid. Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses."
The result?
"And it happened, when our enemies heard that it was known to us, and that God brought their plot to nothing, that all of us returned to the wall, everyone to his work." (Nehemiah 4:15)
When things come against you in your Divine assignment, you don't have to be afraid. It's not your work after all, it belongs to God and He always defends what is is. God will bring every plot that has come against your work to nothing and you will continue.
As Nehemiah armed his workers, you also have to put on and keep on the full armor of God from Ephesians 6:13. Put on the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, the sword of the Spirit, the shield of faith, the belt of truth, and the feet ready to spread the good news of the Prince of peace.
These are your weapons. Pray. Stay close to God and focus on the work in front of you, not what's going on around you. Remind yourself of who He is. No weapon formed against you or the amazing assignment God has given you will prosper. It will be a fun and joyous work.
You're ready.
I'm excited to see the work of your hands and God's heart.
Love, Bunmi
This post is part of a three-part series called Divine Assignment. Read the other posts here: Completing Your Divine Assignment
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