as we trust in the Lord with all our hearts, not leaning on our own understanding!

Nehemiah had a plan to rebuild the wall so that his beloved city, Jerusalem could be a safe place to worship and live. After seeking God for four months his prayers were answered when the king sent him to do the work and gave him all the provisions and protection he needed. However, on arrival in Jerusalem he kept his plans close to his chest and only revealed them to a few of his trusted aides. He knew from experience that if God put something in your heart to do then there will always be opposition. After inspecting the wall by night and assessing what materials would be required, Nehemiah presented his plans to the inhabitants, his fellow Jews, who received the project with enthusiasm, (2:18). It was not long before the opposition heard about the plan. As soon as they heard, they started to plot to thwart it. The opposition came in the form of three men. The governor of Samaria, Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite and Gershom the Arab. Now Sanballat had previously been implicated in a plot against the king of Persia, so he was no stranger to rebellion. His name means ‘the moon god is god’. They constituted the diabolical trinity who wanted to see the city of God remain a disgrace.  As the local officials, they had authority to authorise or stop any work in the city. However, when Nehemiah showed them the letter from the king with his seal on it, they could not stop him from proceeding. This did not stop them from using other methods to stop the work.

Today, be clear that, when God puts something in your heart to do that will bring his grace to a group of people, the enemy will always raise up those he controls in opposition to it. Nevertheless, remember what the Psalmist tells us in Psalm 37:1-3, do not fret because of the wicked, do not be envious of wrongdoers, for they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb. Trust in the Lord and do good so will you live in the land and enjoy security. The plans and the purposes of God will prevail.  Read Nehemiah 2:11-20.