OCTOBER 21: OPPOSING GODS CALL

We go to great efforts to make a positive impression about the quality of our work. Especially for those who are involved in arts and designs, the thoughts and time put in to create a unique artwork can be confirmed in the price placed on such items. That is why anything custom made is always expensive.

In our text for today, Nehemiah went to a lot of trouble to seek approvals, materials and other resources needed for the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. With every good intention, opposition will always arise and this is the devil’s way of frustrating a man from fulfilling Gods purpose.

Nehemiah had a calling to go and rebuild the wall of his city and God granted him favour in unusual places. Everything was provided, yet some people conspired against him to stop the good work. You would have expected that people would encourage him, admiring his resolve to correct a societal problem. However, this was not the case. This can be discouraging and at times can make us want to give up.

Nehemiah did not allow all the oppositions to distract him; rather, he focused on God, prayed and trusted in the leading of the Holy Spirit. The enemies made several attempts to lure him away, but he knew that their motives were not right. Sanballat and his friends got desperate and tried all means and devices to stop Nehemiah’s work, blackmail, false prophecy and even threat to his life.
We are reminded today that opposition will always arise whenever we want to do Gods will, but we should remain focused and not give up, just like Nehemiah, we should seek Gods help any time we run into problems. We should avoid falling for the pressures of pleasing people. God that has called us to a life of holiness will strengthen our hands as he did for Nehemiah.

Doing God’s will be as simple as commitment to doing our secular jobs as on to God, or a spiritual calling, ministry or service to humanity. Even leading a group of people in whatever capacity can make you a target of opposition.

God’s call is upon your life as a child of God to draw men to Christ. You should stay committed to that and not allow opposition and distractions of daily living to deter you from that. In your words, relationships and responses, let all be pleasing to God, let them reflect the child of God that you are, stop the bitterness and pride that seek to please self. There are enemies within and enemies without, do not let them misguide you to chase the wrong things.

Are you also standing as an opposition to someone doing the work of God or responding to God’s call? We should be careful to avoid judging others especially someone with the call of God upon their lives. We can correct in love and pray for them but should not stand as opposition to them. Stand with your leadership by encouraging them and supporting them to succeed, it may be your turn tomorrow.

Prayer: Heavenly father, I thank you for your calling upon my life and the many people you bring me in contact with. Help me to stand strong whenever oppositions arise against the good work I am doing. Help me to stay focused and not get distracted with the affairs of this life. I thank you for the leadership of the church, continue to strengthen them and give them the right spirit to please you with their lives. In any way they are misleading us, help them to retrace their steps. Continue to be the one in control of our lives and be glorified in all that we do, Amen