Standing Strong Like Nehemiah

Overcoming Opposition with Unshakable Faith

In the pages of the Book of Nehemiah, we find one of the most inspiring examples of courageous leadership, spiritual discernment, and relentless faith. Nehemiah’s mission was simple yet daunting: rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. But with that calling came fierce opposition from every side.

As we journey through Nehemiah’s story, we discover that his enemies weren’t just physical—they represent the kinds of opposition many of us face today in our spiritual walk, our callings, and even our daily lives. Let’s take a look at who those enemies were and what they represent today.

Nehemiah’s 5 Types of Enemies: Then and Now

1-Sanballat the Horonite – The Mocking Critic

Sanballat constantly ridiculed and mocked Nehemiah’s efforts, trying to demoralize him and the people.

Today’s Parallel: People who belittle your faith, question your motives, or try to discourage your progress—especially when you’re stepping into something God has called you to do.

2-Tobiah the Ammonite – The Compromised Insider

Tobiah had close ties with some of the Jewish nobles. He even got access to the Temple.

Today’s Parallel: Toxic influences or relationships that sneak into our lives through compromised connections. They seem harmless but can dilute our convictions.

3-Geshem the Arab – The Cultural Pressure

Geshem joined the opposition, trying to pressure Nehemiah into abandoning his work.

Today’s Parallel: Societal norms or trends that push you to conform to values that don’t align with Scripture.

4-False Prophets like Shemaiah – The Spiritual Manipulators

Shemaiah tried to frighten Nehemiah into disobedience under the guise of a “prophetic word.”

Today’s Parallel: Voices that sound spiritual but promote fear, confusion, or compromise. They often twist Scripture to justify self-preserving actions.

5-The Nobles of Judah – The Divided Loyalties

Some of the people inside Judah were tied to Tobiah, feeding him information and undermining Nehemiah’s work.

Today’s Parallel: Christians who are double-minded—supporting God’s mission one day, then serving their own interests the next. This internal conflict can sap spiritual momentum.

What Can We Learn?

Nehemiah teaches us that opposition is inevitable when we commit to God’s purpose. But just like him, we are called to:

·         Pray before acting

·         Discern truth from deception

·         Guard our hearts from compromise

·         Refuse to be distracted

·         Persevere until the mission is complete

One of Nehemiah’s most powerful responses came when his enemies tried to lure him away from the work. He said:

“I am doing a great work, and I cannot come down.” — Nehemiah 6:3

This should be our battle cry in a world full of distractions, lies, and intimidation. When you know you’re called to something sacred, don’t come down. Don’t answer that call that will distract you. Don’t go to that party just because everyone else is going. Don’t let someone else’s agenda pull you off God’s wall.

Stay on the wall. Stay in the work. Stay focused. Stay in His will.

The enemy will use good things—even religious or social things—to pull you down from the great work God has placed in your hands. But you need to stand like Nehemiah and say, “I cannot come down. I’m doing something too important.”

Devotional Study Outline: “I Cannot Come Down”

Use this guide for personal devotion, group study, or teaching. It's based on Nehemiah’s strategy to deal with enemies.

Theme: Faithful Leadership in the Face of Opposition

Key Verse: Nehemiah 6:3 – “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down.”

1. Recognize the Opposition

Passage: Nehemiah 2:10, 4:1–3

Focus: When you step out in faith, resistance often follows.

Reflection: What distracts or discourages you from your calling?

2. Respond with Prayer and Action

Passage: Nehemiah 4:9

Focus: Nehemiah prayed—and posted guards.

Application: Identify an area this week where you can combine prayer with proactive steps.

3. Discern the Deception

Passage: Nehemiah 6:10–13

Focus: Not every spiritual-sounding voice is from God. Watch out. For spiritual manipulators. Tool: Test all things against Scripture (1 John 4:1).

4. Guard the Temple (Your Heart)

Passage: Nehemiah 13:4–9

Focus: Nehemiah removed Tobiah from the temple.

Application: Clean house spiritually. Where has compromise crept in?

5. Finish the Work

Passage: Nehemiah 6:15–16

Focus: The wall was completed because Nehemiah refused to give up.

Reflection: What mission are you called to finish?

Let Nehemiah’s story ignite your resolve. Whatever you're building for God—don't come down.

Embracing a Deeper Journey … with the Almighty I AM

Yolandita Colón

Check out Yolandita’s Books!