Progress Brings Opposition

The book of Nehemiah has many great spiritual parallels for the Christian.  Jerusalem was the place God had chosen to place His name, and the enemies of God's people were mobilised when they perceived progress was being made in the restoration of the city.  I believe the same rings true of the enemy of our souls when we come to Christ in faith - not only at conversion, but when we take steps to progress in sanctification.  Job's uprightness had not gone unnoticed by Satan who schemed for his destruction.  Jesus revealed Satan desired to "sift Peter as wheat," knowing God had a plan to use him to advance God's kingdom.  Leonard Ravenhill said that Paul was "known in hell" based upon the words of the demon when the sons of Sceva tried to drive him out:  "Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?"  We are in a spiritual battle, and we are called to be vigilant and courageous, knowing Jesus Christ has granted us the ultimate victory.

It is a great privilege to read the word of God, and a useful practice to read through it regularly.  In this way we receive the whole counsel of God, being reminded of truths we already know, learn new things, and receive fresh personal application as well.  Satan does not need to expend much effort or resources on tripping up the nominal Christian, one who is a Christian in word but not in deed - especially one who is not in the Word or regular fellowship.  But when there is renewed resolve and obedience in following Jesus Christ, it no doubt grabs his attention.  Nehemiah 4:7-9 shows us how the enemies of God's children responded when they saw progress being made in Jerusalem:  "Now it happened, when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites heard that the walls of Jerusalem were being restored and the gaps were beginning to be closed, that they became very angry, ⁸ and all of them conspired together to come and attack Jerusalem and create confusion. ⁹ Nevertheless we made our prayer to our God, and because of them we set a watch against them day and night."  Nehemiah knew people were plotting to attack and confuse them.  Did that cause Nehemiah to reconsider building the walls?  Nope.  He took his concerns to God in prayer, and set a watch against the enemy.  The order is important.  He didn't fix his eyes upon the enemy and lift reactionary prayers to God.  He fixed his eyes primarily upon God, and then set a watch over the affairs of his life.

Should we be afraid, seeing Satan is compared to a roaring lion seeking to devour us as prey?  Yes, but we should never fear Satan:  we must fear God, the King who has overcome!  Solomon says at the end of Ecclesiastes we are to fear God and keep His commandments.  We love God because He first loved us.  God who indwells us is greater than any enemy we could ever face in this world.  1 John 4:14-15 says, "And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. ¹⁵ Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God."  No weapon fashioned against us shall prosper, for God fights for those whose hearts are loyal to Him.  What boldness, confidence, assurance, and strength is found through faith in God!  It is His work, and He will be faithful to bring it to completion despite any opposition.