Rebuilding: Nehemiah’s Blueprint

The tactics of opposition (Nehemiah 4)

Ridicule

Resistance

Rumor

The effect of opposition: Discouragement

There are four causes of discouragement:

Fatigue -- "The strength of the laborers is giving out"  

Frustration -- "There was so much rubble"  

Failure -- "We cannot rebuild the wall"  

Fear -- "The enemies will attack us" 

What is the right response to opposition?

1. Rely on God 

“Don’t respond to the stupidity of a fool; you’ll only look foolish yourself.” proverbs 26:4 (MSG)

2. Respect the opposition

“But we prayed to our god and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.” Nehemiah 4:9

3. Reinforce your weak points.

“Therefore I stationed some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places, posting them by families, with their swords, spears and bows.” Nehemiah 4:13-14

4. Reassure the people.

“After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, “don’t be afraid of them. Remember the lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.” Nehemiah 4:14

5. Refuse to quit.

“Neither I nor my brothers nor my men nor the guards with me took off our clothes; each had his weapon, even when he went for water.” Nehemiah 4:19-23