No sooner did Nehemiah get permission to begin the great task of rebuilding than in the next few verses we are introduced to enemies who did not want him to accomplish his goals.
When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard about this, they were very much disturbed that someone had come to promote the welfare of the Israelites (Neh. 2:10).
Whenever you begin to accomplish any new task in church communication, expect opposition.
This will always happen because effective church communication is essential to effective church growth and you have an enemy who does not want you to succeed. I often remind people in my seminars that whenever the U.S. has gone into any conflict one of the first targets destroyed is communications. The television, radio, any every other communication system is bombed because every general knows that without good communications, the enemy cannot be successful.
Church communicators are involved in spiritual warfare for the eternal souls of the people touched by their churches. As such, we can expect opposition. That opposition is more than just cranky folks who don’t like the new layout of the bulletin:
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Eph. 6:12).
In light of this situation of opposition, it’s interesting to note what Nehemiah did initially in response. Though his approach varied as time went on, (and I’ll be commenting on those changes) his initial response set a positive pattern in that initially he didn’t retaliate or even respond. He noted that there was opposition, but he did not allow that to deter him from his plans.
In his approach, I’m reminded of some biblical examples of what to do in times of trouble. Though there are many times to take action and many encouragements to pray and trust in the Word, one theme, one command that applies here, is simply to stand:
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then . . .(Eph. 6:13.14).
He said: "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! 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. Tomorrow march down against them. . . . . You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you’ ” (2 Chron. 20:15-17).
All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved (Mark 13:13).
Application suggestions:
- Initially some of the most difficult battles you will face as you attempt to do effective church communications will be inner spiritual battles.
- The enemy of your soul and the souls of the people whose lives and eternities can be changed by what you will create through your church communications, like the enemies Nehemiah faced, become “very much distressed that someone had come to promote the welfare of [your people].”
- Acknowledge that opposition is there, but do not let it move you. Stand firm in the promises of God and press ahead.
- Remember Satan is the accuser of the brethren and there will always be a voice in your head that tells you that you aren’t good enough, that taunts, “Who do you think you are to try to change the world through that website or blog or bulletin?” or that says, “And you think that postcard will get anybody to come? You can’t be serious that that email will accomplish anything?”
- Tell that voice to shut up. Consciously shift your mind away from your inadequacies and fears to the promises of God for strength, help, and wisdom.
- Be aware that the opposition will not go away. You will need to stand firm as long as you serve as a church communicator.
