Prayer for Courage and Strength in the Face of Opposition
"But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king?" - Nehemiah 2:19
O Lord God Almighty, the Creator of Heaven and Earth,
As I come before You today, I am reminded of the words of Nehemiah 2:19, as recorded in Your holy word: "But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king?"
Lord, I acknowledge the truth of these words. Your servant Nehemiah faced ridicule and disdain as he sought to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, a task that was met with laughter and contempt from those who sought to undermine his mission.
In this moment, I find myself in similar circumstances, facing challenges and opposition as I strive to fulfill the purpose You have placed in my heart. The noise of scornful laughter and critical voices threatens to drown out the call that You have given me.
Father, I pray for the strength and courage that Nehemiah displayed. Grant me a steadfast heart and unwavering faith, so that I may not be swayed by the mockery of others or the doubts they cast upon my endeavors. Help me to remember that the work I am engaged in is not for mere human approval, nor is it for the glory of people, but it is for Your Kingdom and Your glory, which is eternal.
Lord, I ask for the spirit of discernment to recognize when I am being led astray by the enemy’s taunts, and to hold fast to the truth and hope that You have instilled within me. May I stand firm in my purpose, knowing that the adversary will try to use fear and ridicule to divert me from Your paths, but greater is He that is within me than he that is in the world.
Help me to remember the God-given vision I hold. Just as Nehemiah did, may I bathe my actions in prayer and commitment to You, seeking Your guidance continually. Fill me with the assurance that I am not alone in my struggle. With every sneer, I will turn to You for my strength, as You are my Fortress and Deliverer.
O God, strengthen my resolve. When I encounter opposition, let my reaction reflect my faith in You. In moments of difficulty, remind me of the power of united prayer, and may I seek fellowship with those who share my vision. Help me build relationships with others who are passionate about serving You, as Nehemiah rallied the people to rise up and join him in the rebuilding efforts.
Heavenly Father, let Your divine wisdom fill my heart and mind, so that I may respond to hostile inquiries with grace and boldness. Like Nehemiah, help me to answer my adversaries not with anger but with purpose, drawing on the strength of Your Word that promises that I am working within Your will. Let me calmly declare that I am not rebelling against authority but instead fulfilling Your command to rise up and build.
As I go forth, Lord, may I be a vessel of peace and perseverance, showing others Your love even in the face of disdain. Allow me to extend grace to those who do not understand my heart’s desire. May I become a beacon of Your light, illuminating purpose even in their darkness.
Ultimately, I surrender all fear and doubt into Your hands, trusting that You are with me every step of the way. Equip me with patience, courage, and unwavering faith, as I press forward to accomplish the task You have set before me.
In Jesus’ precious name, I pray. Amen.
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Nehemiah 2:19 - "But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king?"
"But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king?" - Nehemiah 2:19
Nehemiah 11:1-19
Nehemiah 10:19 - "Hariph, Anathoth, Nebai,"
Nehemiah 12:19 - "And of Joiarib, Mattenai; of Jedaiah, Uzzi;"
Nehemiah 7:19 - "The children of Bigvai, two thousand threescore and seven."
"Hariph, Anathoth, Nebai," - Nehemiah 10:19
"And of Joiarib, Mattenai; of Jedaiah, Uzzi;" - Nehemiah 12:19
Nehemiah 11:19 - "Moreover the porters, Akkub, Talmon, and their brethren that kept the gates, were an hundred seventy and two."
Nehemiah 5:19 - "Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people."
"The children of Bigvai, two thousand threescore and seven." - Nehemiah 7:19
Nehemiah 12:2 - "Amariah, Malluch, Hattush,"
Nehemiah 10:2 - "Seraiah, Azariah, Jeremiah,"
Nehemiah 3:19 - "And next to him repaired Ezer the son of Jeshua, the ruler of Mizpah, another piece over against the going up to the armoury at the turning of the wall."
Nehemiah 6:19 - "Also they reported his good deeds before me, and uttered my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear."
Nehemiah 4:19 - "¶ And I said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, The work is great and large, and we are separated upon the wall, one far from another."
Nehemiah 2:11 - "So I came to Jerusalem, and was there three days."
"Amariah, Malluch, Hattush," - Nehemiah 12:2
"Seraiah, Azariah, Jeremiah," - Nehemiah 10:2
Nehemiah 11:2 - "And the people blessed all the men, that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem."
"Moreover the porters, Akkub, Talmon, and their brethren that kept the gates, were an hundred seventy and two." - Nehemiah 11:19
Ezra 2:2 - "Which came with Zerubbabel: Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:"
Nehemiah 2:14 - "Then I went on to the gate of the fountain, and to the king's pool: but there was no place for the beast that was under me to pass."
Nehemiah 3:2 - "And next unto him builded the men of Jericho. And next to them builded Zaccur the son of Imri."
Nehemiah 9:2 - "And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers."
"Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people." - Nehemiah 5:19
Nehemiah 9:19 - "Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness: the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to shew them light, and the way wherein they should go."
Nehemiah 2:15 - "Then went I up in the night by the brook, and viewed the wall, and turned back, and entered by the gate of the valley, and so returned."
Nehemiah 2:4 - "Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven."
Nehemiah 2:2 - "Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid,"