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Nehemiah recorded for us many of the difficulties the Jews faced. Different tactics had been used by the enemy to stop the work of wall rebuilding. They range from sarcastic remarks to outright hostilities: “Then the Jews who lived near them came and told us ten times over, ‘Wherever you turn, they will attack us’” (Neh. 4:12). The Jews had to be prepared for any sudden attack that “those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other, and each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked” (Neh. 4:17-18).
Apostle Paul faced many difficulties in doing God’s work. He said, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body” (2 Cor. 4:8-11).
Today, in Singapore, there are also many difficulties all around us. While there may not presently be physical anti-Christian hostilities in Singapore, there are many discouragements that confront us due to unexpected illnesses, financial setbacks and strained relationships. While going through these difficulties, what is God’s promise to the believer? God, in His grace and mercy, gives us victories.
The wall of Jerusalem was successfully rebuilt by Nehemiah in fifty-two days. However, God in His infinite wisdom, allowed the Apostle Paul to be martyred for his faith. In Heb. 13:5-6, we have the promise: “because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’” Jesus also promises us peace in Jn. 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Paul wrote in 2 Thess. 3:3: “But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.”
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (Ps 91:1, 2)