In the story of Nehemiah, we see a powerful example of how to deal with opposition, especially when working for the Lord. This reminds me of the time when Tim Tebow first entered the NFL. Despite his athletic ability, he faced incredible criticism from people like Stephen A. Smith, who doubted him at every turn. Yet, Tim Tebow found success while remaining true to his faith in Jesus. He was probably one of the most hated quarterbacks then, but despite what others thought about his skills, Tebow led his team to a 7-4 record and even a playoff win in 2011. What no one could ever take from him was his work ethic and his ability to play through opposition.
1. External Opposition (Nehemiah 4)
However, as we see in Nehemiah’s story, opposition will come. We read in Chapter 4 that the mocking and threats from Sanballat and Tobiah grew more intense. When they saw the wall being rebuilt, they became furious and mocked the Jews. Sanballat questioned if they could even finish the work: “What are these feeble Jews doing?” (Nehemiah 4:2). Tobiah mocked the strength of their work, saying that even a fox could knock down their wall. But despite all of this, Nehemiah and the people kept building.
In verses 4-5, Nehemiah prays for God to hear their cry and return their reproach on their enemies’ heads. The Bible tells us that Nehemiah and his team kept working, and the wall was built to half its height because the people had a “mind to work.” Even when the opposition grew stronger, they didn’t stop. As more enemies—such as the Arabs, Ammonites, and Ashdodites—became angry, Nehemiah continued to pray and strategize. He set up a guard to protect the workers, and they worked with one hand on the sword and the other on the tools. Nehemiah’s response to opposition was clear: pray and return to work.
2. Internal Opposition (Nehemiah 5)
Nehemiah’s story teaches us that opposition can come from external enemies and within our own ranks. In Chapter 5, Nehemiah faced internal opposition as some of his people took advantage of others during famine and poverty. The wealthy charged high interest on loans and even seized people’s property. Nehemiah confronted the greedy lenders, ensured they returned the land and treated their brothers and sisters fairly. As a leader, Nehemiah didn’t ask anyone to do something he wouldn’t do himself. He led with integrity, choosing to work on the wall alongside everyone else and refusing to take the governor’s allowance, which was his right.
3. Dealing with Deception and Distractions (Nehemiah 6)
Then, in Chapter 6, even though the wall was almost complete, the opposition didn’t stop. Sanballat and Geshem tried to lure Nehemiah into a trap, but he saw through their scheme and refused to stop working. They sent false reports and tried to intimidate him, but Nehemiah stayed focused and didn’t let the distractions slow him down. Nehemiah teaches us that external or internal opposition should not stop us from the work God has called us to do. We must stay focused, pray for strength, and continue to work.
Nehemiah’s example shows that prayer and action go hand in hand when facing opposition. Whether dealing with mockery, physical threats, or internal conflicts, Nehemiah continually turned to God in prayer and got back to the task at hand. Prayer kept him centered, and action kept the mission moving forward. In the same way, when we face opposition, we must pray, stay focused on God’s calling, and keep working. We will experience opposition in life and ministry, but if we respond like Nehemiah—with prayer and persistence—we will see the work accomplished. Just as Nehemiah led the people to finish the wall in just 52 days, we too can achieve what God has called us to if we keep our eyes on Him, pray for strength, and never give up.
Opposition will come, but how we respond is what matters. Whether it comes from external forces, internal struggles, or even within ourselves, we must stay on mission, pray for strength, and get back to work. Nehemiah’s leadership and ability to keep moving forward despite the opposition is a powerful example today. Whatever challenge you face—whether in your personal life or as part of God’s greater work—remember: pray and get back to work.
Conclusion:
Nehemiah teaches us how to respond to opposition with prayer, integrity, and unwavering commitment to God’s task. Whether we face external threats or internal struggles, we can follow Nehemiah’s example of relying on God, staying focused on the mission, and returning to work. When we do, we can experience victory, just as Nehemiah and his team did when they completed the wall in 52 days (Nehemiah 6:15).
Let us take these lessons to heart and continue the work God has called us to, no matter the opposition we face.
