Oh, No!
Today’s Verse:
That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief. ~Nehemiah 6:2
The reality of the Christian life is that we will be challenged with many adversities and adversaries. Each of them tests our character and whether we will stand or wilt when the pressure is on. Nehemiah was being pressured by two men who were his avowed enemies. They did not welcome his presence and leadership in leading the dwellers at Jerusalem to rebuild the walls there. Let us see how Nehemiah dealt with pressure to compromise and quit.
We see the accomplishment.
“Now it came to pass when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, and that there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates;).” Nehemiah inspired the dwellers at Jerusalem to work day and night to rebuild the entire wall. This was a gigantic task which had been left undone for many, many years. They completed what was thought to be impossible. When God puts something big on your heart, decide that it will be done and that you will be focused on it from start to finish.
We see the attack.
“That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief.” Nehemiah’s enemies tried the ploy of arranging a conference at a “neutral location” 30 miles away to discuss what was done. However, Nehemiah knew that this request had an evil intent behind it. Sometimes, the enemy is strong in his attack. Other times, he is subtle in his attack. We must be vigilant at all times and not let our guard down. Be careful of the danger of compromise and meeting the enemy at his level.
We see the anchoring.
“And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?” Nehemiah had great steadfastness of soul and told them that he could not come down. When the enemy tries to get you to come down from the wall, remind him that you are doing a good work. When the enemy invites you to Ono, just say, “Oh, no!” The one word that the enemy needs to hear from us repeatedly is “no!” Stay anchored and unmovable in your faith and in the fight.
We see the advice.
One of the key characteristics of compelling leadership is being relentless and steadfast. The enemy came to Nehemiah four times to ask to come down to meet with them, and each time Nehemiah said “no.” Stay focused on what God has called you to do. Stay firm in what God has called you to do. Stay faithful in what God has called you to do. Stay with your God-assigned task to the finish.
Have a faithful God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Matthew 7-8