Nehemiah 6:5-9

5 Then, the fifth time, Sanballat sent his aide to me with the same message, and in his hand was an unsealed letter 6 in which was written:
“It is reported among the nations, —and Geshem says it is true, that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and therefore you are building the wall. Moreover, according to these reports you are about to become their king 7 and have even appointed prophets to make this proclamation about you in Jerusalem: ‘There is a king in Judah!’ Now this report will get back to the king; so come, let us confer together.”

8 I sent him this reply: “Nothing like what you are saying is happening; you are just making it up out of your head.”

9 They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.”
But I prayed, “Now strengthen my hands.”

  • Nehemiah and the Jews’ accusers started rumors in order to scare them.
    • You ever been through that? Intimidation often begins in subtle ways. The enemy is always faithful to get us to doubt ourselves and God.
    • Fear can render us powerless. Fear can make us where we are afraid to do anything. If we move here, we might be wrong. If we move there, we might be wrong. You could start to panic!
  • Satan will throw darts at you to get your attention.
    • Our enemy is persistent. Nehemiah’s enemies tried several times to get his attention. Verse nine tells us that Nehemiah might have been a little scared.
  • Nehemiah, although shaken, prayed to God for strength.
    • BUT, he know where to go for help: the LORD.
    • God is not the author of fear!

Are you keeping your eye on the ball? Are you focused on Him and Him alone? Look to Christ for strength!