Connect360: Overcoming the Enemy

• Lesson 5 in the Connect360 unit “Kingdom Assignment: The Relentless Pursuit of Obedience” focuses on Nehemiah 4:1-8.

Nehemiah consistently prayed. Each time he was confronted by a problem, he first took the situation to God. Yet, he also knew the work had to be done by the people.

Soon some of the Jews began to express discouragement. Their strength was failing. They were distracted by the rubble. They heard the threats of the enemy. They said, “We ourselves are unable to rebuild the wall.”

The midway point is often the most difficult time. The excitement of the vision has faded, and attention becomes focused on the rubbish, the undoable task still lying ahead. Nehemiah faced what may have been his greatest challenge: discouragement from within. Outside opposition is expected, but when God’s people begin to complain and rebel, their discouragement is contagious.

Those living in areas near the enemies came to Nehemiah with fear and complaints 10 times (Nehemiah 4:12).Sanballat’s plan of causing a disturbance among the people appeared to be working. Courageous leadership was neededurgently, and Nehemiah didn’t disappoint. His faith did not waver, and he responded with a plan. “We will fortify the lowplaces and have families with their swords, spears and bows.”

When Nehemiah saw their fear, he “rose and spoke to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, ‘Do not be afraidof them; remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wivesand your houses’” (4:14).

The plans of the enemy were frustrated. Half of the people carried out the work and the others held the spears, shields,bows and breastplates. Nehemiah continued to lead by example. “So neither I, my brothers, my servants, nor the men of the guard who followed me, none of us removed our clothes, each took his weapon even to the water” (4:23).

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