The Conspiracy of Trouble (When Challenges Multiply); Part 2

Rev. Enoch Thompson | November 15, 2023 | Nehemiah 4:13-15

KEY VERSE:

After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, "Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes." Nehemiah 4:14 (NIV)

MESSAGE:

When your challenges multiply, your attitude and your responses to the challenges is a matter of primary importance. When challenges and opposition multiply, we need to take some pragmatic steps. In our text for reflection, Nehemiah set up a guard system based on families and targeting to protect the exposed portions of the wall. We must identify our weak spots and give attention to them so that they do not become the inroads of the enemies into our lives.

We must equip ourselves with the necessary tools for confronting the threats. In this case, the Jewish families carried swords, spears, and bows. In verse 14 Nehemiah looked things over, he assessed the situation, the possible strength of the enemies, the weaknesses, and the strength of the Jews as well. He needed to have a mental picture of how and where things were.

When things turn up in hordes against you speak to your soul, speak to your family, speak to those who matter in the matter of your enterprise. Nehemiah spoke to the leaders and all the Jews. They were to remember the Lord and to fight for their compatriots. A sense of God, His faithfulness, and His power, are very useful in combatting the opposition. A patriotic spirit, a sense of responsibility towards those dependent on us and to whom we are duty-bound should make us ready to stand and fight. Sometimes the only reason why we should ensure that we do not collapse in the face of the surrounding troubles is because of our spouse, our children, our brothers and sisters, and the Church of God.

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

Remember God, and remember those dependent on your standing strong, so that you may stand strong. Don’t collapse in the face of multiple challenges. Believe in God, strategize to face the challenges, and fight for those who depend on you.

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, strong and mighty, able to save at all times. I come to you acknowledging that when trouble multiplies, it is easy for me to fail. But I ask for your grace and your power to enable me to think straight, to take up my weapons, to see you as my Helper, and to fight the necessary fights. Help me Lord, for your dear Name’s sake, Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

---

DAILY word study: FIGHT FOR The phrase "Fight for" in Nehemiah 4:14 serves as a rallying cry amidst the challenges faced during the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. In Hebrew, the phrase is translated as "לַחֲמוּ לֵאלֹהֵינוּ" (laḥamū lē’lōhênū), and its biblical usage resonates with a profound call to spiritual and physical vigilance. The term "Fight for" is employed in various contexts in the Bible, signifying both physical and spiritual battles. Here are a few examples:

• Exodus 14:14 (NIV): "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." Here, God's promise to fight for His people emphasizes trust and reliance on Him.

• Deuteronomy 3:22 (NIV): "Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you."Assurance that in the face of adversaries, God is the ultimate defender.

• 2 Chronicles 20:15 (NIV): "This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s." Acknowledging that certain battles belong to the Lord, indicates divine intervention.

In Nehemiah 4:14, the call to "Fight for" is not merely a physical call to arms. It’s a rallying cry to trust in God’s sovereignty and actively engage in the spiritual battle, knowing that ultimate victory lies in aligning with His purpose. Nehemiah encourages the people to remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and to fight for their families, their homes, and their city under the banner of divine protection.

In our lives, the call to "Fight for" can be translated into a spiritual posture. We are called to fight for our faith, families, and communities. This involves actively engaging in prayer, standing firm on God's promises, and trusting His guidance in the face of challenges.

Reflections:

This phrase, "fight for" rooted in both the Hebrew text and its contextual usage, encourages a holistic understanding of the battle Nehemiah and his people faced, urging us to fight with spiritual weapons and unwavering trust in God. How can we apply the concept of "Fighting for" in our spiritual lives today? What areas of our faith, relationships, or endeavours require a deepened commitment to prayer and reliance on God?