Nehemiah 4:14(KJV)
And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.
As the children of Israel began to build the wall of Jerusalem, the enemy wanted to stop them. The enemy saw the repairs as a threat to their power, tried to discourage, threatened, and plot against the Jews. Nehemiah responded quickly to the discouragement and the rising fears of their enemies. He placed people all around the wall with weapons to defend themselves and the wall. Nehemiah said to the people not to be afraid because God is great and awesome. Not only did he seek and rely on God, but he also knew that the people needed to be ready to fight in the strength of the Lord. Nehemiah encouraged them to fight for their friends, families, and homes. In other words, he was calling out the champion spirit in them to put themselves aside and think beyond themselves. It is written in Philippians 2:3-4 “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Lots of people fade out halfway through because of that little voice of resistance. They quit early and miss seeing the mission completed. However, all we need sometimes is a little courage. A little courage to stand up for what we know is right, a little courage to say no when we know what we are doing is wrong, a little courage to step out in faith when all the odds seem against us, and a little courage to fight for others. As Christians, we may experience many forms of threats, attacks, and distractions. We may be questioned or taunted. We may feel vulnerable, weak, discouraged, worried, or afraid, but we need the same kind of determination that inspired Nehemiah. It is the time to fight for our children, loved ones, families, the right to live free from guilt and condemnation, and for their spiritual lives. 1 Timothy 6:12 says “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” Fight daily in prayer that God will draw the hearts of our loved ones to Himself and protect them from the attacks and lies of the enemy. Fight against every spiritual force of greed, theft, lust, hatred, jealousy, violence, fornication, and the list go on that are in this world. Remember that satan is our ultimate enemy. He delights in sowing confusion, doubt, and fear. He wants us to stop doing the work in God’s Kingdom and to keep us from growing in the Christian life.
Beloved, do not be afraid because of the extreme challenges you are facing. Remember the Lord your God, for He is great and awesome. He will do for you what no man can do. Be determined to worship the One true God only and fight a good fight of faith. Refuse to settle for anything less than everything God has for you. When the enemy tries to discourage you, do not be terrified or deterred. Encourage yourself in the Lord and keep moving forward. Never stop pursuing that dream! Never stop praying either because God can help you accomplish the mission despite imminent threats. Stay focused in life and ignore every criticism or distraction. Today persevere while praying, renew your confidence in God and have faith while fighting for what you believe. Fight for others, and do not be obsessed with getting an advantage. Be moved by the conditions of the sinners and others who are suffering around you. Let the plight of the poor, the sick, and the oppressed stir compassion in you to intercede for them.
O Lord, inspire me as I do whatever You have called me to do, help me stay vigilant, and not be distracted in Jesus’ Name.