DISTRACTORS WILL DISTRACT

Distractors Will Distract:

Lessons from Nehemiah's Wall-Building Journey The story of Nehemiah's wall-building endeavor serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges one may face when pursuing a significant task. In the fourth and fifth chapters of Nehemiah, we witness the relentless attempts of Sanballat, accompanied by his companions and Samaritan troops, to undermine and ridicule the Jews who had taken up the task of rebuilding the wall. Sanballat's fury knew no bounds upon learning of the Jews' determination to reconstruct the wall. He openly mocked their efforts, questioning their abilities and scoffing at their ambitious goals. "What do these miserable Jews think they are doing?" he exclaimed. "Do they truly believe they can rebuild the city? Can they fashion building stones out of piles of burnt rubble? Even a fox could knock down their feeble attempts!" Tobiah, standing alongside Sanballat, echoed his sentiments, further deriding the Jews and their seemingly futile endeavor.

Despite the constant barrage of criticism and ridicule, Nehemiah and his fellow workers remained undeterred. As the enemies realized that their efforts to impede the progress of God's work were in vain, they devised a plan to physically attack Nehemiah and his team. However, Nehemiah was vigilant and aware of their schemes. He knew that although his enemies believed they were hidden from his sight, God had placed Jews among them as informants. Nehemiah wisely divided his workforce, assigning half to continue the construction while the other half stood guard, armed with tools and weapons. Undeterred by the ongoing opposition, Nehemiah and his team pressed on, with their unwavering determination serving as a testament to their faith in the divine purpose they were fulfilling.

Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem, and the other adversaries, realizing that their attempts to halt the construction were futile, sought to engage Nehemiah in a deceptive meeting. Repeatedly, they sent messages urging Nehemiah to meet them in one of the villages. Recognizing their ill intent, Nehemiah saw through their ruse and declined their invitations, stating firmly, "I am engaged in an important work that cannot be interrupted. I will not allow it to be hindered by unnecessary distractions." In light of Nehemiah's resolute stance, we can draw valuable lessons for our own lives.

To those who find themselves besieged by distractions, it is crucial to remember that yielding our energy to distractors is a fruitless endeavor. They are unworthy of our attention and should not be allowed to impede the work that God has entrusted us with. It is important to understand that even individuals who may not be fond of one another will unite against a common target if they harbor jealousy towards them. In such instances, we ought to mirror Nehemiah's authority and make it clear that these distractors hold no significance in comparison to the purpose and assignment bestowed upon us by God.

To the distractors themselves, it is imperative to recognize that God hears every conversation and witnesses every act of ridicule directed towards His work and the individuals He has chosen to carry it out. I implore you to repent and renounce any spiteful or jealous words that may have been spoken. Often, initial criticism stems from a lack of vision to perceive the ultimate outcome. Just as David proclaimed, God is capable of preparing a table and a feast in the presence of our enemies. He knows the end even before the beginning, and He equips us for the journey ahead.

To those who find themselves in Nehemiah's position, I urge you to stand firm on the wall and not descend. While perfection may elude us, it is crucial to remain steadfast. Though our words may lack eloquence, we must not compromise our dignity. Even if we find ourselves at the beginning of our journey, let us remember that it is ultimately how we finish that matters. My own pastoral journey did not commence with excellence, but I am grateful that God has guided me in His ways, rather than conforming to the ways of man or denomination. We are engaged in the work of the kingdom and must not waver or stray from the wall. Let us remain resolute and unwavering in our pursuit of God's purpose.