November 19, 2020
Frustrating the Plans of The Enemy
My beloved child history has a way of repeating itself. Pay attention! Nehemiah had to deal with Sanballat, who was very angry when he discovered they were rebuilding the wall. Today you are dealing with the exact same distractions. I have a plan and a purpose for you, but the enemy who can do nothing more than roar loudly and throw fiery darts at you to distract you. He wants to keep you from fulfilling. Distracters mock, torment, and do everything possible to interfere in the work of the Kingdom. That’s what they did to the Jews, saying, ‘what does this poor feeble bunch of Jews think they are doing? (Nehemiah 4:1-2)
As soon as the wall began going up, Sanballat heard about it – he knew Jerusalem’s restoration would bring a significant shift in business and political power. Sanballat had invested interest in the city remaining in despair, so he focused on distracting them. He first tried to distract them by ridiculing, mocking, and spreading false accusations about them. (Nehemiah 4:3-5) When that didn’t work, he changed his strategies and began using fear, entrapment, and political manipulation tactics. (Nehemiah 4:6-8)
The enemy comes to distract you to cause you to lose your focus. They remained focused and prayed to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and guarded the city day and night to protect themselves. (Nehemiah 4:9) Nehemiah looked the situation over and called the men and women together and said, ‘don’t be afraid of the enemy, remember the Lord who is great and glorious – when the enemy heard of our plans, God frustrated them! (Nehemiah 4:14-18) God will do the same for you! There was a vast difference between Nehemiah and Sanballat. Nehemiah’s Leadership and character countered every assault of Sanballat and provided the motivation for his godly vision to be completed. We can learn valuable lessons from studying Sanballat’s assaults, threats, and wicked schemes:
1. Expect distracters
2. Don’t give them the time of day
3. Trust God to protect you and your reputation
4. Keep your hands to the plow and don’t look back
Has the enemy falsely accused you? Pray and commit what you are doing to the Lord; stay focused on the vision, and He will frustrate the enemy’s plans!
