Influence Requires Resilience - Lessons from Nehemiah 4

You matter to God. You matter to the work of God.

The story of Nehemiah, shows a profound truth: ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things when they obediently serve God. Nehemiah wasn’t a prophet, warrior, or king. He was an ordinary person like you and me, living a comfortable life with a great job. But when God placed a burden on his heart for his people and the restoration of Jerusalem’s wall, Nehemiah answered the call.

By the time Nehemiah came onto the scene, the walls of Jerusalem had been in ruins for over 100 years after the Babylonian captivity. Nehemiah’s story teaches us about discerning God-given burdens, recognizing our gifts, and understanding that opposition often arises when we choose to serve God obediently.

The Nature of Opposition

If you want to live a Godly life and have a heartbeat for God’s heartbeat, prepare to face obstacles. 1 Peter 2:9: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

Living as God’s chosen people means stepping into the light—but that light attracts opposition.

Nehemiah 4 highlights this vividly. Nehemiah’s task of rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall wasn’t met with applause but with anger and ridicule from men like Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem. Their criticism was personal, relentless, and aimed at discouraging the work. Sanballat mocked the effort, calling the Jews feeble. Tobiah sneered, saying that even a fox could topple their wall.

Yet, the true opposition wasn’t just these men. As Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

Nehemiah’s enemies were tools of a greater spiritual battle aimed at stopping God’s work.

Resilience Amidst Criticism

When you’re living out a God-given burden, spiritual opposition will come. Satan doesn’t want you to succeed. He doesn’t want you to make an eternal impact, raise Godly children, or love your neighbor. His goal is to discourage, distract, and defeat you.

How do you respond when faced with such opposition? Nehemiah’s story offers a roadmap:

1. Pray Prayer was Nehemiah’s first response to criticism. In Nehemiah 4:4-5, he cries out: “Hear us, our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads.” He prayed not for vengeance but for God’s justice.

Too often, prayer becomes our last resort instead of our first response. Prayer shouldn’t be a “Hail Mary” pass; it’s our lifeline to the One who fights for us. Jesus emphasized this to His disciples in Matthew 10:28, reminding them to fear God above all else.

2. Keep Working Despite the taunts, Nehemiah and his people kept building. Nehemiah 4:6 states, “So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart.” Opposition didn’t derail their mission; it fueled their determination.

Perseverance is essential. When challenges arise, don’t let doubt sideline you. Satan’s strategy is to make you question your calling. Resist by pressing forward with your God-given task.

3. Be Prepared Nehemiah’s team didn’t just work—they worked with weapons in hand. Nehemiah 4:17-18 describes how builders labored with one hand and held a sword in the other. They were prepared for physical and spiritual battles.

For us, the sword is the Word of God. Ephesians 6:17 calls it “the sword of the Spirit.” Jesus demonstrated its power during His temptation in the wilderness, countering Satan’s lies with Scripture. To withstand spiritual attacks, we must know, study, and obey God’s Word. It’s our defense against discouragement and deceit.

God Fights for Us

Nehemiah’s confidence wasn’t rooted in his own abilities but in God’s faithfulness. Nehemiah 4:20 declares, “Our God will fight for us!” This promise echoes throughout Scripture:

• Deuteronomy 20:4: “For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”

• Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

When facing criticism, remember that God is your defender. He didn’t call you to a task only to abandon you. God equips and empowers those He calls. With Him on your side, you’re never outnumbered, no matter how fierce the opposition.

Influence Through Resilience

Influence and resilience are intertwined. Like a lighthouse weathering relentless storms, our ability to influence others depends on our willingness to stand firm in the face of adversity.

As believers, we’re not built of brick and mortar but of flesh and spirit. We face waves of criticism, storms of doubt, and winds of opposition. Yet, just as the lighthouse endures, we can stand firm through prayer, perseverance, and preparation.

Nehemiah’s story reminds us that resilience is essential for living out God’s work. When opposition arises, remember to:

• Pray: Seek God’s strength and guidance.

• Keep Working: Stay committed to your God-given task.

• Be Prepared: Arm yourself with the truth of God’s Word.

You matter to God. You matter to the work of God.

When you remain resilient, you become a beacon of hope and influence, shining God’s light into a dark world. Opposition will come, but take heart—God fights for you. Keep building the wall He has called you to construct, and trust that His purpose will prevail.