Text: Nehemiah 6:5-14
Memory Verse: “For they all were trying to make us afraid, saying, ‘Their hands will be weakened in the work, and it will not be done.’ Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands” (Nehemiah 6:9).
Fear is a powerful emotion that can either cripple or propel a person towards an action. Throughout history, it has been used as a weapon by the enemy to discourage, hinder progress and weaken people’s resolve. The enemy knows that if he can instill fear, he can successfully cause doubt, distractions and, ultimately, destruction (John 10:10a). To ‘conquer’ means to overcome or gain victory over something.
Nehemiah faced opposition and threats as he fulfilled his mission of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, yet he refused to be intimidated, standing firm in hisvfaith and trust in God.
The enemy can cause circumstances; people like Sanballat, Tobiah; or even manipulations from our trusted ones, like the prophet who lied to Nehemiah in Nehemiah 6:10-13 to try to frighten and stop them from achieving God’s
divine purpose. Remember that Jesus, in the garden of Gethsemane, faced intense battle; knowing the suffering, betrayal, and mockery that awaited Him at crucifixion, yet remained steadfast, submitting to God’s will (Luke 22:42-44). Both Nehemiah and Jesus demonstrated that fear and threats should not dictate our actions. Rather, faith, obedience and trust in God’s words and promises should.
You can conquer fear by trusting more in God’s words and promises, for He has not given us the spirit of fear, but of love, boldness and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). So, develop your sound mind and faith by trusting in His spoken words and promises. God has equipped you with strength to overcome.
Prayer Points:
1 Lord, I overcome every tactic of the enemy to instill fear in me.
2. Lord, I receive strength to accomplish my purpose.