Nehemiah 4

Just as all was going well with the rebuilding, the enemies begin to mock the Jews.  They ridicule them as being "feeble", unable to finish, the challenges they face, and the poor quality of work.   As we will see later in the book, these are not true; yet, were likely intended to discourage them to the point of stopping.

Nehemiah's first response is to PRAY.   Like the imprecatory Psalms, Nehemiah left justice to God to execute upon the enemies.  The people were heartened enough to continue; yet, when they were halfway through; the enemies, now having grown in number, threaten to attack.   And if that was not enough, some internal tiredness, discouragement, and fear set in.  Yet, Nehemiah demonstrates godly leadership by posting guards at their most vulnerable and reminding the people that God is "great and awesome" and will help them fight.  They continued their work, but were also prepared and ready to fight if needed.

What I learn from this passage, is that the first response to opposition and challenges, should be to PRAY.   We should also remember God's power and His faithfulness to overcome and deliver.  We should also not allow the opposition to cause us to stop; but, rather to continue God's work with diligence and preparedness.  Verse 9 is similar to the repeated message in many NT verses to be watchful and prayerful:   "But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat."