Nehemiah 5-7, Psalm 61
Nehemiah 6:8-9 (NLT)
“I replied, ‘There is no truth in any part of your story. You are making up the whole thing.’ They were just trying to intimidate us, imagining that they could discourage us and stop the work. So I continued the work with even greater determination.”
In Nehemiah 6:8–9, Nehemiah received a letter from Sanballat, a Samaritan leader who opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. The letter was an attempt to intimidate Nehemiah into stopping the work by spreading false rumors, false accusations, and slander. Nehemiah replied that Sanballat was making everything up. Instead of giving in to fear, Nehemiah immediately turned to the Lord in prayer and became even more determined to continue the work.
Nehemiah had the discernment to recognize that his enemy was using slander to create fear. He confronted Sanballat's lies and remained focused on the task Father-God had given him to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Then Nehemiah prayed for divine strength. In other translations of verse 9, Nehemiah asks the Lord to strengthen his hands. He relied on Father-God rather than on his own strength. Nehemiah's prayer is an act of faith, asking the Lord to overcome human weakness.
These verses remind me to rely on the Lord for strength whenever I feel fear or face opposition. I need to stand firm in what I believe and in what the Lord has called me to do, even when I encounter criticism or slander. I need to pray to Father-God for strength and wisdom, then demonstrate my faith through obedience by continuing the work He has entrusted to me.
If these verses resonate with you—if you feel drawn to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One to whom we can pray for strength and wisdom in times of trouble and opposition—this may be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in prayer. Tell Him you trust Him and desire to walk with Him. He is faithful, and He will meet you exactly where you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus’ name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord’s love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
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