I Hear Your Voice Speaking

OPPOSITION Opposition, such an offensive word, especially when trying to accomplish something good!
In the Book of Nehemiah, we see the heart of God's faithful servant, Nehemiah, the king's cup-bearer. Having an honored position and one that was close to the king, Nehemiah had an "in" on the happenings of the area and people, mainly his people, the Israelite's. Being a man of God, "he sat down and wept, mourned and fasted and prayed to God of heaven."  Nehemiah, sought God first asking for favor to address the king. When the opportunity arose, the door opened for Nehemiah to ask for permission to take some time off from work to rebuild the broken down wall of Jerusalem and the gates that had been burned with fire. He also asked for  security guards and credentials  and building materials. "And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests." The restoration of the wall of Jerusalem was now underway. Unfortunately, so was opposition.
Nehemiah, organized the building project and work began on the foundation of the wall. Midway, the the ridicule of the Jews began and trouble started brewing. The Israelite's became concerned, but they knew where to turn to for help. They gave their concerns to God and posted guards day and night to meet the threats of the opposition. Nehemiah, being the project manager, exhibited his leadership and assured the people not to be afraid. This is what he said, "Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes. When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to his own work." Guess what, God saw to it that the wall would be completed in His time.

Have you ever been in a position of rebuilding something in your life and the enemy is at work just as hard as you are?  Prayerfully, the plans of the project have been put before our Lord first, and that work doesn't begin until God signs the contract. "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." Prov. 19:21  "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord established their steps." Prov. 16:9  Nehemiah gave us the perfect example of how to begin a project. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matt. 6:33 In the example that is given to us in Nehemiah, we see obedience to what God calls us to do. Because there was obedience, God honored the request. Even though there is often opposition, if we would operate in obedience, "Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome" and practice what He commands us to do,  He will honor our request and complete the work in His time and according to His will.
Lord, let us not begin a project, a rebuilding, a restoration, until our hearts have sought You first. Let our requests be laid at the foot of the cross and with patience, help us to wait upon You. Then and only then, will You consider the request and if You grant it, things will be right, perfect and complete. Thank you  Lord for Your word that we might know how to walk in Your ways, step by step. In Your Sons most precious Name, Jesus Amen