Pastor's Corner

In the 6th chapter of the book of Nehemiah we find Nehemiah and the rest of the Jews finishing up on the reconstruction of the walls of Jerusalem. All of their surrounding enemies began to conspire against Nehemiah, due to fear. These people had watched the Jews rebuild this wall in just 52 days, while resting on the Sabbath. Their enemies recognized that they could not have done this without the help of God. These enemies of theirs didn’t know God, but they could see the result of His favor, and took careful notice of the result of His blessing. When others see what can be accomplished when a group of likeminded people get together for a common cause, it creates wonder. They are witness to the impossible being made possible, and they begin to understand these feats could not have come to pass without special blessing from above. It can make them question themselves and their own beliefs, and maybe fear that power, which when in opposition to that power can be a great advantage, like in the days of Nehemiah. It can also attract them as well; they might see the strength and love that is available and say “I would like to have some of that”. 
Nehemiah’s enemies were trying to cause him to stumble by making him lose focus on what God had set in front of him to accomplish. Our enemies in life will be persistent but we know God’s love endures forever. We can trump the efforts of evil by applying the endless love and favor of God to these situations, and expect to be blessed for it. The general theme to this chapter of Nehemiah is persistence. Our efforts for the kingdom will persistently be met with opposition, but if we persistently look to the Lord and receive His blessing, we will overcome in His name. Roman’s 8:31[God's Everlasting Love] what then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? With God on our side it doesn’t matter from where or whom our opposition comes from. We can stand firm in the Lord and know we will not be forsaken.  
Jake Thomas