Nehemiah’s enemy was Sanballat. He didn’t go away. He emboldened his position . Together they made things difficult for the Jews. Accusations, condemnation, and threats were aimed to take down Nehemiah and his people.
Nehemiah, however, knew what to do.
First he prayed. He informed God that these people were provoking Him. Nor did he stop there. He encouraged the weary workers by reminding them not to be afraid but to instead focus on their Great and awesome God. He would not only fight for them but for their families as well.
Then he armed them. In one hand was a work tool, in the the other a weapon. He did not leave them defenseless. He didn’t leave them alone. He set up communication. When the trumpet sounded it meant they needed to rally together. He set guards to watch during the night.
Our enemy may not be flesh and blood but daily we face the accuser who schemes against us. We remember who our God is. We strengthen our heart with that knowledge and put on the armour His word describes in Ephesians 6. We listen for the cry of the trumpet or the call to prayer. Then like Nehemiah and his people we will do great exploits.
