Episode Transcript
[00:00:00] Foreign.
[00:00:13] So good to see you back here on the weekday podcast. Man, it's been such a joy to walk through Nehemiah. And today's a great episode. Not because I'm bringing it, but just the content behind it. Because in chapter two of Nehemiah 2, there's something that happens, that happens to all of us. And the reminder today is, do not let criticism stop the construction. So it says in chapter two, verses 19 and 20, it says, when Sanballat and Tobiah and Gesham heard of it, they mocked us, they despised us. They said, what is this thing that you're doing? And then I replied, the God of heaven will make us prosper. Here's a reminder. Every time you start building something that matters, someone's going to question it. Nehemiah barely got started before the critics showed up. But instead of defending himself, he said this one phrase. He said, the God of Heaven is. He will make us prosper. Now, opposition is not a sign that you're off track. It's often confirmation that you're right where God wants you. Now, Sanballat and his crew, they weren't random haters. They were powerful men with something to lose. The enemy always resists restoration. Now, Nehemiah didn't waste time arguing. Instead, he stayed focused on the work. His confidence wasn't arrogance. It was anchored in trust. It's like when you have that leaky faucet that turns into a whole house project when you're trying to fix it. The moment you start rebuilding, something else breaks. You can either quit or you can keep going. And I'm telling you, the same thing happens spiritually. The moment you decide to grow, that's when the enemy starts throwing distractions. And so when you face criticism or discouragement, here's a couple of recommendations I'd have for you. One is honestly, just to expect it. Expect it. Resistance means you're building something that matters. Number two, don't fight every battle. Don't fight every battle. You can't build and bicker at the same time. And the number three, honestly stay anchored in truth. Remember who sent you and remember who sustains you. Because when you focus on what God's building instead of who's criticizing, you'll keep your joy and you'll finish your assignment. Opposition is not proof that you're failing. It's actually confirmation. You're building something that matters. So keep your eyes on the builder and not on the noise today. I hope this encourages you as you walk into your day. We'll see you back here. Soon.
