If you're reading this, it's because God has called you to do something. He's given you a task: a business, a song, a book, a ministry...a Divine assignment.
For the last three weeks, He's been speaking to me about those who He's given a specific task and about the challenges they're facing to the point where I knew I needed a new site to organize it all. The great news is, that you're not alone in what God has given you to do.
There are many He's given specific tasks to. The other good news is that if you'll start (or finish), He's going to help you.
Whether you believe in him or not, there is a real enemy in this world who would like to see that never happen. But when you are called by God and have your faith firmly in Jesus, you know that the Spirit that lives in you is greater than the one that lives in the world.
I don't know what form the opposition has taken in your life, but you should know you're not the first one who has had to push through.
This very first post is about just that. About two weeks ago, God led me to the story of Nehemiah to show you how to deal with a certain kind of challenge that is arising for some: opposition.
Around 445 BC there lived a Jewish governor named Nehemiah. He was a cupbearer to the king in the Persian palace where many Jewish people lived as part of the Babylonian exile.
He too was given a task by God: to rebuild the shattered and destroyed city walls of the holy city of Jerusalem.
There were two men we meet early in Nehemiah's story: Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite.
"When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard of it, they were deeply disturbed that a man had come to seek the well-being of the children of Israel." Nehemiah 2:10
What you need to know is that your mission will upset something in the kingdom of darkness. When you have been commissioned to and accept the calling of God, it will immediately upset satan and his hooligans because building the kingdom of God tears down the kingdom of darkness.
Throughout the retelling of Nehemiah, Sanballat and his boys keep coming at him. In this series of five-ish posts, I'm going to break down each time Sanballat and his friends came up against Nehemiah and the assignment God had given me and how Nehemiah triumphed.
The story goes on.
"But when Sanballat and Tobiah and Gershem heard of it, they laughed at us and despised us, and said, ' What is this thing that you are doing? Will you rebel against the king?" Nehemiah 2:19
First they were disturbed. Bothered. Demons have no peace, the best they can do is try and find temporary rest, but when the power of God is moving, it instantly upsets this attempt at respite. That's why when Jesus stepped on the scene, so many times demons began to manifest and beg Him to leave them alone.
But in this verse, Sanballat and his friends are now laughing. They're mocking. And accusing Nehemiah of treason.
Have you faced mockery, laughter, or accusations as you walk in what God has called you to do?
Two things. 1. Forgive. Ephesians 6:12 says we battle not against flesh and blood but principalities, darkness. Take your eyes off of people and see the truth of who is behind their behavior. Don't let bitterness or anger take root in your heart. It can derail you. Forgive.
The second thing is that when God calls you to something, He doesn't take polls. He doesn't ask anyone to co-sign. When He called Jeremiah, the boy was just a child and protested.
God had a quick answer.
"But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you." Jeremiah 1:7
God doesn't need anyone to agree with Him in His decision. There are people who may be offended that God has called you to do something. They might be parents, friends, or coworkers. Maybe it's control, jealousy, a feeling that you'll leave them behind, or even fear or concern for you.
It doesn't matter. They may accuse you of being "rogue" as they did with Nehemiah. In my short experience with taking God's hand and doing what He's called me to, I've wondered what it looks like to others, but ultimately I'm more afraid of letting God down because I love Him and don't want the smoke, than I am of other people's opinions.
God will equip you. He qualifies you. Endure any laughter and accusations.
For some of you, these insults are coming from inside the house, like with Jeremiah.
"Who am I to do this?" "I can't!" "They'll laugh at me."
We know God has not given you a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind. As you begin to walk in obedience, those voices get softer and softer. Your own footsteps on the path God has put you on will silence them. As you walk, He will strengthen you.
Let God's voice be the one you obey, not fear. The voice that moves us is the one we serve. The voice that decides what we do is the one that is our true God. Ask Him for help but make a simple move in the right direction today.
That move might be sending an email, doing a search on music studios and making a call, or writing two paragraphs.
Zechariah 4:10 says God does not despise small beginnings but rejoices to see the work begin so start. Do something. There's nothing like action to chase the worries. Something happens in the spirit when you begin to take steps, when you align yourself with His will.
"What if I heard wrong?" Pray. Talk to someone whose spiritual authority you trust but at the end of the day, it's you and God. He knows when we've heard Him and are making excuses.
"What if I didn't hear right?" There are times I've been unsure and taken weird steps and God has redirected me. There are times I've taken wrong steps, realized, repented and He got me on track again. He's not a cruel father or despot looking to strike you, He's a Father looking to work with you and bless you. His voice isn't often loud for me, but it's clear. It'll also never go against His Word. Read it and let Him speak to you.
When Nehemiah's enemies laughed at and accused him, he answered by saying. "The God of heaven Himself will prosper us; therefore we His servants will arise and build, but you have no heritage or right or memorial in Jerusalem."
Nehemiah's response wasn't anger or sadness. They echo David's words to Goliath, "The same God that delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me..."
Let yours be the same. Remind yourself Who has called you and that He keeps His promises. He never lets me see the whole mission, but through the twists and turns, He holds my hand and guides me. Remind yourself of all the other times God has been faithful. Then take a step.
Move forward. You can do it because when God is with you, who can be against you?
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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