How to Deal with Oppression
“In the place where you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us” (Nehemiah. 4:20)
The tension was rising rapidly.
Nehemiah was forced to act quickly for the people of God. They were tired. There was growing opposition from enemies. And the people were engulfed in a wave of fear.
They had gathered to rebuild the wall surrounding the city of Jerusalem. Under the leadership of Nehemiah, each person was assigned a task as they worked together as a community. It was more than a wall. It was a restoration of the national identity of the Israelites. They would once again be unified as one.
Yet, some people sought to destroy the mission. Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah, the Ammonite servant, were not pleased that Nehemiah came to help the Jews, as they opposed the chosen ones of God,
Scripture writes that they jeered at and despised Nehemiah and the rest of God’s people. They questioned the mission, accused them of rebelling against the king and governing authorities (Neh. 2:19-20). As the chapter progresses, the mocking continues as these enemies belittled the Jews, the task itself, and the quality of work (Neh. 4:2).
The opposition grew so strong that the workers at the wall had weapons at one point, as there were threats of attack rising (Neh. 4:9).
What was Nehemiah’s response?
First, Nehemiah had continual trust in the Lord’s plan. When threats came which were forceful, he remained steadfast. He continued to seek the Lord in prayer, having confidence that the One who had heard his cry would sustain them throughout their work. Nehemiah reminded the people of who God, and His presence in the task assigned to them. Nehemiah states: “In the place where you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us” (Neh. 4:20). They were not alone amidst the opposition; God was there.
Second, he encouraged the people and continued on in the mission God had given them, which was to see Jerusalem restored for the glory of God (Neh. 2:17). And later, to urge the Israelites to keep fulfilling their God-given duty and to continue on. To take responsibility and work for what they had been given. To fight for their brothers, sons, daughters, wives, and homes (Neh. 4:14).
Third, Nehemiah defended the cause against his enemy’s false claims. Nehemiah turned his attention towards those who were mocking the mission. “The God of heaven will make us prosper, and we his servants will arise and build, but you have no portion or right or claim in Jerusalem” (Neh. 2:20). He put His trust in the Lord and spoke the truth.
This passage reveals a leader, Nehemiah, who exemplified profound skills in guiding God’s people in rebuilding the wall. As a result, the people were able to remain focused on the task, and the wall was completed.
Application
When have you found yourself facing opposition? Was it for the faith you hold onto? For the principles you believed in, doing the right thing even when it meant standing alone? Was it for the dreams you held?
We must first define what we are speaking of when we use the term “opposition.”
If someone disagrees with us, it does not automatically ensure it is opposition in the sense we are talking about. There is a large difference between direct opposition and helpful criticism. The latter seeks the benefit of the other person and the betterment of the relationship. A person offering their guiding advice from a place of genuine compassion is not opposing you in a destructive sense. They are simply trying to convey their point because they care. In today’s society, love is often mistaken for acceptance and tolerance. To support the other person entirely and all of their decisions. But if you see a loved one going down a harmful road, why won’t you want to at least try and warn them?
The Bible speaks of love as “delighting in the truth” (1 Cor. 13:6). Love not only suggests that we tell the truth. It demands honesty and a helpful hand. A person who is honest with you and point something out in your life with good intentions is doing so from a place of love. Having someone challenge our perceptions and decisions has the potential to strengthen us as people.
In contrast, the former seeks to destroy. Some people may seek to tear down, whether it be because of their own unhealed wounds, for their own benefit, simply not taking your needs into account, or seeking destruction.
Therefore, opposition is far different than constructive criticism. The difference between the two lies not in the person disagreeing with the other. Rather, it is about the heart that is behind the confrontation.
Since the term “opposition” has been defined, what lessons can we take from the story of Nehemiah when we are faced with opposition?
1. Stay Focused on the Lord
Not for a second has the Father taken His eyes off of His beloved children.
When circumstances involve either tension or standing alone, remember who first called you.
He first loved you and has a unique plan for your life.
The Bible says that when we focus on God’s kingdom, everything else will be added (Matt. 6:33). This means that when we surrender our lives to God and continue to seek Him daily and to honor Him with every decision in our lives, He will take care of us. He will come and fill that emptiness inside our hearts. He will give us the strength we need to complete that task. And He will be our protection.
Practically, this means reading His word daily, offering worship and praise, and praying. This will strengthen believers to stand strong in the face of adversary.
2. Cultivate a life of Faith and Prayer
This extends from this notion. Be in constant prayer.
As believers, we must be focused on pleasing God above all else. We can only know His will when we are continually seeking the Holy Spirit and asking Him to work in our lives. As we walk in obedience (marked not by perfection but by grace), we are taking steps to build our faith and trust in who the Father is and grow our prayer lives.
Communicate with your Heavenly Father, and it will shift your perspective.
3. Build Community
Nehemiah went back to Jerusalem to be with those who shared a common vision.
If you have to stand alone because of your faith or beliefs, or feel alone, be assured that there are brothers and sisters throughout the world who feel the same way. There is the Body of Christ, the church for whom Jesus Christ is coming back for.
Get plugged into a community of believers. They are not marked by perfection but by the grace of the Father. And He loves them just as they are, as He is growing them.
To be in the family of God is a truly beautiful thing, regardless of the opposition.
My prayer is that as you go about this week, you will be as encouraged as I was from Nehemiah’s story. The Lord dwells with His children and will fight for us. We are gifted with personal responsibility and being a part of the Body of Christ.
May we find rest in His love for us.
Blessings,
