"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE WHEN DEALING WITH ENEMIES"
Nehemiah 6:8 Then I sent to him, saying, “No such things as you say are being done, but you invent them in your own heart.”
Nehemiah 6:9 For they all were trying to make us afraid, saying, “Their hands will be weakened in the work, and it will not be done.” Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.
Some explanatory thoughts, applications, questions and a prayer:
As Nehemiah was doing the work of rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem, the enemies of Israel were consistently attacking him, and one of their primary ways of attack was through lies. Lies meant to discourage and intimidate Nehemiah.
In this case a letter ( one of many ) had been sent to Nehemiah making suggestions to him, that would have led him away from the work that God had put his hands to. These two verses represent Nehemiah's response and they give us some principles and truths to bear in mind when dealing with our own enemies.
1. One thing about God's enemies is that they tell lies.
Nehemiah 6:8 Then I sent to him, saying, “No such things as you say are being done, but you invent them in your own heart.”
Many accusations were being leveled against Nehemiah. Nehemiah knew they were not true. And Nehemiah came right out and said so. Neh 6:8b “No such things as you say are being done, but you invent them in your own heart.”
God's enemies are liars plain and simple.
They are led by a liar Satan who is the father of lies.
Satan cannot tell the truth, and thus he tells lies.
God is true, His Son is the truth, and the truth can be found in Jesus Christ and in the Holy Bible.
2. The lies of God's enemies are not only not true, but they are invented in their own hearts.
Nehemiah 6:8 Then I sent to him, saying, “No such things as you say are being done, but you invent them in your own heart.”
Please notice what is said about the origin of the lies. "But you invent them in your own heart"
Lies are not facts, they are made up statements that are not true.
The lies originate in the hearts of God's enemies.
God does not invent anything.
He does not invent truth.
He is truth.
And He tells us the truth in the Bible.
3. The lies of God's enemies are designed to make God's people afraid, and to discourage them from doing the work at hand.
Nehemiah 6:9 For they all were trying to make us afraid, saying, “Their hands will be weakened in the work, and it will not be done.” Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.
The enemy wants to stop you dead in your tracks in your relationship and service to God.
He does not want the work of God to take place in your life, or in the life of the general body of Christ through you.
Make no mistake about it, you play an important role in the body, as you serve the body you are helping to make it strong in love.
Satan likes to lie and through his lies to discourage God's people and make them afraid.
When you feel afraid, don't be afraid to admit it to God and ask Him to help you.
When You feel discouraged, tell the Lord about it, and ask Him to fill you with courage and He will.
And you will then be fearless and courageous in your walk, witness, and work for the Lord.
4. A good way to deal with the lies of the enemy is simply to pray as Nehemiah did, and ask the Lord to make you strong.
Nehemiah 6:9 For they all were trying to make us afraid, saying, “Their hands will be weakened in the work, and it will not be done.” Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.
The enemies ways can become very complicated.
But God's prescription for us is very simple.
Pray.
That's what Nehemiah did, he prayed.
His prayer was simple.
It was directed towards God.
And, he asked God for one thing.
He asked God to "strengthen my hands"
You and I can do the same thing, and God will do the same thing, He will give you the strength you need to serve Him.
Some questions:
1. Do you have enemies who are bothering you at this time?
2. Are you busy doing the work of God at this time.?
3. Can you see how the enemy would like to make you afraid and discouraged?
4. Don't believe the enemies lies not even for a moment.
5. Will you do what Nehemiad did? He prayed. Will you pray and ask God for strength.
A prayer:
Father what a great little true story this is about Nehemiah. Thank You for giving it to us. It's so helpful to see how You helped Your people to deal with fear and discouragement. We pray for ourselves if we are afraid and we are discouraged that You would give us strength. And, we pray for the members of our own particular church body who may be being attacked, and ask that You would help them as well. In Jesus name. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
