Next, remember that sometimes people will project onto others what they feel is impossible, because they think it’s impossible for them. So, they can’t understand your perspective. He didn’t lay it on their heart to start that new ministry, visit that sick person, or stand up for the oppressed. So, what do you do if a dear friend, family member, or colleague isn’t supporting you? First, listen with the mindset that they don’t have your perspective because God didn’t speak to them. Not only can we experience a lack of support from our enemies, but also from those who are close to us who don’t agree with our dream, calling, or purpose. Who wants to hear negative news when you’re working to accomplish something great? But couldn’t they get behind Nehemiah’s vision just a little more? The wall would eventually protect them. That’s not what you want to hear from someone you’re trying to help, right? Granted, it’s understandable they were afraid. The Jews who Nehemiah and his friends were working to help and serve by rebuilding the wall said, “Wherever you turn, they will attack us.” In Chapter 4 verse 11, he recorded that his enemies and the enemies of his band of builders said, “Before they know or see a thing, we will come into their midst, kill them, and put an end to their work.” Even though unpleasant, that’s an expected response from an enemy, right?īut what isn’t expected is what Nehemiah recorded in vs. That could turn out horribly” or “That will never work” or “What a bad idea.” But rather than hearing words of support and enthusiasm after you share your heart’s passion, all you hear are words of fear or criticism: “Oh, you shouldn’t do that. You’re so moved that you want to share your excitement and tell someone close to you about it, maybe a friend, a spouse, a parent, or a sibling. You’ve got a passion burning in your heart.something you are convinced God is calling you to accomplish. This truth doesn’t make you want to shout “Hallelujah!” No one wants to experience opposition from enemies, let alone from those they love. Opposition will come from your enemies it may also come from your friends. One of my favorite lessons from Nehemiah is this: It also contains life-giving lessons on how to respond to opposition when you’re working to accomplish a task, fulfill a purpose, or say yes to God’s calling. It’s an inspiring account of a man who stepped outside his comfort zone to move on behalf of God’s people and rebuild the wall of Jerusalem-even though he was afraid. I love the story of Nehemiah in the Bible. Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess. Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – March 29, 2022 “ Opposition will come from your enemies it may also come from your friends.”
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