Following God's lead attracts detractors. What God wants to build in your life, the enemy will try to tear down.

Neh 4:1-3 Enemies rage, ridicule, and mock to discourage and dissuade. They gather together to plan a strategy for destruction. If the enemy has a plan, then so should we.

Respond in prayer. Remind God’s call. Remain on course.

Neh 4:4-6 Respond to opposition, first in prayer. Affirm God's call and the truth of the situation. Remind God, self, and others that it is God's promise, work, and vision at stake. It is God who is being mocked and opposed. Remain on course. Continue to follow the Lord and fulfill his vision - enthusiastically and with confidence!

Our progress causes enemy distress. Distress stirs anger to oppress

Neh 4:7-8 Enemies rile up like-minded others with lies, rage, jealousy. Their goal is to try to confuse and then destroy.

Be Prayerful and Practical

Neh 4:9 Be Prayerful: The greater the opposition, the more we need to pray. Be Practical: Follow prayer with actions that make sense.

Philippians 4:6-7 NIV 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Enemy’s 3D'S for Destruction: Discouragement | Doubt | Double-minded

Neh 4:10-12 The enemy boasts of destruction. The enemy uses arrogance, boasting, lies, and rumor to discourage, bring doubt and double-mindedness. Are you living close to God, or close to the enemy? Who are you looking at and what are you listening to? Those who are listening to the enemy instead of God become confused and spread the enemy's lies, some even feeling they are doing you and God a favor!

James 4:7-8 NIV 7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double‑minded.

Hero's 3 R's for Rallying: Reinforce | Remember | Return

Neh 4:13-15 Reinforce yourself and your call with people and tools necessary for the cause. Identify weak spots and equip with God's word. Offensive posture. Don't let the enemy get a stronghold. Remember the LORD who is great and awesome. This is his call, his vision, his purpose, which he will bring to completion by his power! Let this encouragement erase fear. Now rejoice and return to that which God has called you, confident and enthusiastically with thanksgiving. Allow the truth of God's word to set you free to accomplish God's work.

Joshua 1:9 NIV 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Never, Ever, EVER Give Up!

Neh 4:16-18 Equip yourself for success. Know that the enemy is on the prowl. Be wise, diligent, and remain innocent. Ephesians 6:10-11 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.” Be prepared for attack

1 Peter 5:8 “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

We're in this together. Neh 4:19-23 Never, ever, ever give up. Be prepared in season and out. Know that when trouble comes you have others to turn to who will be there for you. Encourage others that you will be there for them in their hour of need. Most of all remember that the battle belongs to the LORD. Draw near to him and he will draw near to you. He will never forsake you! You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you - including successfully dealing with dill-weeds!

Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV 6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

This Week's Memorization Verse
Philippians 1:6 ESV 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Nehemiah 4:1-23