Love That Never Fails

76. Success From Above

Whenever we embark on some sort of mission or service for the Lord, no matter how small, we can be sure there will be some sort of opposition along the way. Our enemy, Satan, hates to see us devoted to our calling and will work to bring us undone! However, we do not need to fear but put on our armour (Ephesians 6), press in and let God guide us.

Nehemiah had fasted and prayed before going to the king to seek approval to travel 800km from Persia to Jerusalem to rebuild its walls. It's not surprising that very soon he encountered opposition:

"When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard about this, they were very much disturbed that someone had come to promote the welfare of the Israelites. I went to Jerusalem, and after staying there three days I set out during the night with a few others. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem. There were no mounts with me except the one I was riding on.

Notice the way Nehemiah holds off revealing the purpose of his visit to Jerusalem as timing was very crucial! Often God puts something on your heart to do for Him but it's not necessary to tell everyone about it. You can trust Him to guide you in all the little details as well as the timing of who to confide in and when.

By night I went out through the Valley Gate toward the Jackal Well and the Dung Gate, examining the walls of Jerusalem, which had been broken down, and its gates, which had been destroyed by fire. Then I moved on toward the Fountain Gate and the King's Pool, but there was not enough room for my mount to get through; so I went up the valley by night, examining the wall. Finally, I turned back and reentered through the Valley Gate.

Nehemiah checked out the extent of the restoration work that would be required by night, perhaps to avoid any unnecessary suspicion or interference. God had given him the vision to rebuild the walls and he needed to be ready for the job ahead and prepared for whatever opposition would come.

The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, because as yet I had said nothing to the Jews or the priests or nobles or officials or any others who would be doing the work.

Then I said to them, "You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace."

I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, "Let us start rebuilding." So they began this good work.

It must have been very comforting to Nehemiah, to have the support for this massive undertaking, confirming God's hand of blessing on the mission He had put in Nehemiah's heart. It wasn't surprising that opposition was also at work:

But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official and Geshem the Arab heard about it, they mocked and ridiculed us. "What is this you are doing?" they asked. "Are you rebelling against the king?"

I answered them by saying, "The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding, but as for you, you have no share in Jerusalem or any claim or historic right to it.""
‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭2:10-20‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I love how Nehemiah calmly and confidently responded, giving all glory to God for the success that lay ahead. Do you have such confidence in the source of your success? Whatever it is that you are doing for the Lord, you can be sure that He will  give you success. Trust Him to take care of all the details as you come to Him in prayer each day.

Let's pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You so much for the wonderful reminder of the best way to serve You. I am so privileged to look back and see how You have guided me in the past and brought about success in my pursuits for Your Kingdom.  I trust You to place each brick in my hand, guiding me toward accomplishing Your vision at this time. May I not be discouraged by opposition but remain focussed on what You have placed in my heart. Indeed, You God will give me success!

For Your glory,
Amen.