Overcoming Opposition to God's Work - Nehemiah 4-6 and Acts 2:22-47
There are times when it is easy to get discouraged about how slowly God's work is progressing in our lives or in our churches. I am tempted to blame the lack of progress on the condition of the world and to say that the lack of progress is because we live in a world that is so hostile to the Lord. Then, I read stories like these in the Bible, and I realize that most of the victories in the Bible were won in times which were much like our own. Therefore, I conclude that we can overcome the opposition and see God's work done regardless of the opposition if we proceed in the power and plan of God.
Nehemiah faced all types of opposition to the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. There was the direct ridicule and threats of attack from outside enemies. There were the internal problems of discouragement and the low morale caused by the usury. There was even the slander and deceit of those around him to get him to fall into a trap personally. None of these things succeeded, and the walls were completed in an amazing 52 days. I am convinced that the reason for their success was their unity around the plan of God, and their dedication to depend on Him. I know there were other factors, but God gave them the victory because they were sold out to follow His will. I believe the same is true today. No matter what Satan throws at us, we can overcome his opposition, and we can overcome the internal problems, if we will stick together, depending on the Lord, and committed to doing His will.
The end of Acts 2 is a great example of this. Peter preaches a very direct message. He does not yield to the temptation to conform the message of the gospel to the people. He preached the truth. God touched their hearts, and 3,000 souls were saved in one day. Then, there were more added every day. Let that sink in for a minute. The situation on the day of Pentecost was very similar to our situation today. There was much opposition to Jesus. He had just been crucified by the leaders and the people. There were multiple religions in the world which were competing for the hearts of the people. There was only a small number of believers. They had very few human resources. However, God gave them the victory as they proceeded in the power of the Spirit to carry out the plan of God. Do you believe the same things can happen today? I believe it, and I long for it. I believe we must pray like Nehemiah and the apostles, and we must commit ourselves to the work of God. It will not be easy, but we will be successful with His help. Let's not blame our failures on this world situation. Let's remember, God can overcome any opposition to see His work done.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Nehemiah 7-9 and Acts 3.
Nehemiah faced all types of opposition to the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. There was the direct ridicule and threats of attack from outside enemies. There were the internal problems of discouragement and the low morale caused by the usury. There was even the slander and deceit of those around him to get him to fall into a trap personally. None of these things succeeded, and the walls were completed in an amazing 52 days. I am convinced that the reason for their success was their unity around the plan of God, and their dedication to depend on Him. I know there were other factors, but God gave them the victory because they were sold out to follow His will. I believe the same is true today. No matter what Satan throws at us, we can overcome his opposition, and we can overcome the internal problems, if we will stick together, depending on the Lord, and committed to doing His will.
The end of Acts 2 is a great example of this. Peter preaches a very direct message. He does not yield to the temptation to conform the message of the gospel to the people. He preached the truth. God touched their hearts, and 3,000 souls were saved in one day. Then, there were more added every day. Let that sink in for a minute. The situation on the day of Pentecost was very similar to our situation today. There was much opposition to Jesus. He had just been crucified by the leaders and the people. There were multiple religions in the world which were competing for the hearts of the people. There was only a small number of believers. They had very few human resources. However, God gave them the victory as they proceeded in the power of the Spirit to carry out the plan of God. Do you believe the same things can happen today? I believe it, and I long for it. I believe we must pray like Nehemiah and the apostles, and we must commit ourselves to the work of God. It will not be easy, but we will be successful with His help. Let's not blame our failures on this world situation. Let's remember, God can overcome any opposition to see His work done.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Nehemiah 7-9 and Acts 3.