Text:
Nehemiah 4:1-5
Memory Verse:
“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).
As long as one remains on the same spot – spiritually, physically, financially, etc., there will be minimal or no agitation from the enemy’s camp, but a move forward or upwards will spark confrontations from the enemy. The enemy is always on the lookout, paying close attention to one’s
every move in order to attack physically or verbally. Two of the enemy’s weapons are indignation and mockery. Indignation is the displeasure the enemy raises when one goes on the offensive, developing righteous anger at one’s state. Mockery has to do with unkind, critical remarks
or actions against someone who is trying to improve or change his or her situation.
Some enemy’s questions and the appropriate answers to give from today’s passage are:
1. “What are these feeble Jews (child of God) doing?” Respond that, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
2. “Will they fortify themselves?” Say that the Lord will make you to these people a fortified bronze wall (Jeremiah 15:20).
3. “Will they offer sacrifices?” Say, “the sacrifices of God are a broken spirit…” (Psalm 51:17).
4. “Will they complete it in a day?” Say, “surely there is a hereafter and your hope will not be cut off” (Proverbs 23:18).
5. “Will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish–stones that are buried?” Say, “so I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army” (Ezekiel 37:10).
Be watchful so as not to fall prey to the intimidation of the enemy.
Prayer Points:
1. Lord, deliver me from every intimidation of the enemy.
2. Lord, give me the right answer to silence my enemies.
