Historically, every attempt to make positive progress had attracted oppositions from those who feel threatened by noticing the plans to progress. Different periods in political, religious and social history have come and gone leaving behind sorrowful stories of how people who took a journey into making a good difference in life were vehemently opposed. Opponents are seen in families, nations, business circles and social worlds, making sure that no other person comes close to them. This system has collapsed good developments, healthy economic growths and structural growths. There exist mysteries of making progress admits oppositions by certain group of human beings. These are they who have taken the God of the Jews and Christian their Father.
In today’s devotional, how God enabled Nehemiah and his people in the kingdom of Judah progressed in the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem will be looked into. Nehemiah was a Governor under a Persian King, King Artaxerxes over Judah while Sanballat was a Governor under the same King over Samaria sharing boarder with Judah. Nehemiah approached the King of Persia on hearing the sorrowful dilapidation of the walls of Jerusalem, sought permission to go and rebuild the walls. The King of Persia approved Nehemiah’s request. On getting there and getting started to rebuild the walls, very strong opposition groups were raised by Sanballat. Let us understand why Sanballat became the strongest opposing figure to Nehemiah. As a Governor of Samaria and with Jerusalem city remain unprotected, Sanballat was in control of the people of Jerusalem.
Till date we are being opposed by those in power over us when we try to become co-rulers with them. As Christians, our opponents attempting to stop us from making progresses come from various groups; our fellow human beings, political forces. They would spiritual forces team up always to fight good Christians out of businesses, politics and secular appointments. Many Christians did withdraw from the struggle to get their ambition established. However, few of them who know that oppositions are not obstacles or limitations progressed, in spite whatever stands before them. The story of Nehemiah and Sanballat is a good illustration of making progress in the mist of oppositions. We will get more ingredients on this tomorrow!
PRAYER:
LORD JESUS, you did not stop making progresses because of enemies standing on your ways. Kindly grant me the access into your wisdom to keep making good moves in the presence of those opposing me.
bishopubaudenyi@hopealivechurch