Be Resolute and Focused
Then, the fifth time, Sanballat sent his aide to me with the same message, and in his hand was an unsealed letter in which was written:
"It is reported among the nations -- and Geshem says it is true -- that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and therefore you are building the wall. Moreover, according to these reports you are about to become their king and have even appointed prophets to make this proclamation about you in Jerusalem: "There is a king in Judah! Now this report will get back to the king; so come, let us meet together."
I sent him this reply: "Nothing like what you are saying is happening; you are just making it up out of your head."
They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, "Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed."
But I prayed, "Now strengthen my hands." Nehemiah 6:5-9
"It is reported among the nations -- and Geshem says it is true -- that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and therefore you are building the wall. Moreover, according to these reports you are about to become their king and have even appointed prophets to make this proclamation about you in Jerusalem: "There is a king in Judah! Now this report will get back to the king; so come, let us meet together."
I sent him this reply: "Nothing like what you are saying is happening; you are just making it up out of your head."
They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, "Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed."
But I prayed, "Now strengthen my hands." Nehemiah 6:5-9
This passage is replete with some valuable lessons that are very applicable to our lives:
First: It is important to remember again and again that the enemies and detractors of your goals, dreams, and vision will not give up attacking and distracting you from your objectives. The only solution is to remain focused and resolute, no matter how many times he attacks or how many different approaches he employs against you and the vision.
Second: The enemy will always speak in generalized abstractions and hardly in concrete and evidence-based terms. Listen carefully to how Sanballat couched his words: "It is reported among the nations -- and Geshem says it is true that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt…" Notice that Sanballat was fermenting rumors. He had no verifiable facts to back his claims other than to tow the proverbial line, "People are saying everywhere that…" It is also rather interesting that the so-called verifier of the accusation, Geshem, was himself an avowed enemy of the Jews.
If you want to attain your goals, don't believe the false reports of your detractors. Believe the better report that God gives you. Believe the truth from God's word and the Holy Spirit and only look up unto Jesus who alone is the author and finisher of your faith.
Third: Be prepared to be falsely accused by the enemy. Sanballat brought false accusations: "It is reported that . . . you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and therefore you are building the wall . . . you are about to become their king and have even appointed prophets to make this proclamation about you in Jerusalem." Being the focused leader he was, Nehemiah simply responded: "Nothing like what you are saying is happening; you are just making it up out of your head." When the enemy tries to distract you with lies and false accusations, don't get into long arguments and quarrels to waste your time. Don't fall for his tricks. Just respond wisely and get on with the vision.
Finally: Remember that right when you are very busily closing in on victory is when you would face the most vicious, discouraging and distracting attacks of the enemy. But Nehemiah saw through the enemy's move: They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, "Their hands will get too weak for the work and it will not be completed." Nehemiah remained resolute. He prayed, "Now strengthen my hands." Then he focused on the vision.
May the Lord strengthen your hands and may you remain resolute and focused as you press on with your God-given vision.
First: It is important to remember again and again that the enemies and detractors of your goals, dreams, and vision will not give up attacking and distracting you from your objectives. The only solution is to remain focused and resolute, no matter how many times he attacks or how many different approaches he employs against you and the vision.
Second: The enemy will always speak in generalized abstractions and hardly in concrete and evidence-based terms. Listen carefully to how Sanballat couched his words: "It is reported among the nations -- and Geshem says it is true that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt…" Notice that Sanballat was fermenting rumors. He had no verifiable facts to back his claims other than to tow the proverbial line, "People are saying everywhere that…" It is also rather interesting that the so-called verifier of the accusation, Geshem, was himself an avowed enemy of the Jews.
If you want to attain your goals, don't believe the false reports of your detractors. Believe the better report that God gives you. Believe the truth from God's word and the Holy Spirit and only look up unto Jesus who alone is the author and finisher of your faith.
Third: Be prepared to be falsely accused by the enemy. Sanballat brought false accusations: "It is reported that . . . you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and therefore you are building the wall . . . you are about to become their king and have even appointed prophets to make this proclamation about you in Jerusalem." Being the focused leader he was, Nehemiah simply responded: "Nothing like what you are saying is happening; you are just making it up out of your head." When the enemy tries to distract you with lies and false accusations, don't get into long arguments and quarrels to waste your time. Don't fall for his tricks. Just respond wisely and get on with the vision.
Finally: Remember that right when you are very busily closing in on victory is when you would face the most vicious, discouraging and distracting attacks of the enemy. But Nehemiah saw through the enemy's move: They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, "Their hands will get too weak for the work and it will not be completed." Nehemiah remained resolute. He prayed, "Now strengthen my hands." Then he focused on the vision.
May the Lord strengthen your hands and may you remain resolute and focused as you press on with your God-given vision.
Prayer: Unto you, O Lord, do I lift up my eyes. Let me not be ashamed. Let not my enemies triumph over me. Amen.