Nehemiah 6:2 – Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, “Come and let us meet together at Hakkephirim in the plain of Ono.” But they intended to do me harm.
In any competitive sporting event, the last few minutes are the most intense and exciting. As one team is pressing toward their victory, their opponent summons up all the courage they can to stop them. What is true in sports is also true in business, politics, and ministry – there is always a fight near the finish.
In Nehemiah, as God’s people were successfully rebuilding their city and their church as the city within that city, opposition to their efforts escalated. With the security walls nearly rebuilt, and only the doors remaining to be hung, their enemies surged to stop them.
Nehemiah was singled out for attack because he was the leader. Jesus quoted the Old Testament principle that the best way to get the sheep to scatter is to strike the shepherd, and Satan also knows this verse, which is why the person calling the shots ends up taking the shots. God not only appoints leaders, but Satan and his servants also attack them.
To be a godly leader requires a willingness and ability to endure personal attacks and hardship without giving up, getting bitter, or being diverted from your mission.
Nehemiah 6 is a case study in leadership as well as common tactics the Enemy and enemies use against God’s leaders. Nehemiah will have to increase his pain tolerance to finish the work.
This is the hardest season of Nehemiah’s life. What is the hardest season God has called you to endure? How was He still faithful through and after that season?