Trusting God's Preparation in the Face of Opposition

Nehemiah’s task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem was already a monumental undertaking, and the journey became even more difficult with the hostility of two men—Sanballat, the governor of Samaria, and Tobiah, the Ammonite official. These two men, both in positions of power, represented opposition to God’s plan, fueled by pride, jealousy, and selfish ambition. Their actions show how those who think they are in control—believing their way is the only way—sometimes try to push back against God's work, mocking, belittling, and attempting to stop what God is doing. But Nehemiah’s response to their opposition reveals deep trust in God and a firm commitment to doing His will, no matter the cost.

When Sanballat and Tobiah heard about the rebuilding effort, they saw it as a threat to their own power. The idea that Nehemiah, a simple man with a vision from God, would come and rebuild the walls of Jerusalem challenged everything they stood for. To them, this was a direct threat to their status, and they responded by mocking the work and the workers. Sanballat’s first reaction was to ridicule the effort, asking, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they restore their wall? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they finish in a day? Can they bring the stones back to life from those heaps of rubble—burned as they are?” Tobiah joined in, adding, “What they are building—if even a fox climbed up on it, he would break down their wall of stones.” Their words were meant to tear down the confidence of the workers and make them feel that their efforts were foolish and destined for failure. They weren’t just attacking the walls—they were attacking the very heart of the people and their mission.

But Nehemiah didn’t respond in kind. Instead, he turned to God. In a powerful prayer, he said, “Hear us, our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads. Give them over as plunder in a land of captivity.” Nehemiah didn’t engage with Sanballat and Tobiah’s mockery or try to defend the work. He trusted God to handle the situation and deal with the opposition in His way. He knew that the work was bigger than himself and that God’s plan would not be thwarted by the mockery of a few men.

When faced with opposition, whether ridicule, mockery, or more serious threats, we don’t have to defend ourselves. We can bring it to God, trusting that He will handle it according to His perfect will. Nehemiah’s decision to turn to God instead of engaging in futile arguments shows his deep trust in God’s sovereignty. He knew that even the loudest voices of opposition couldn’t change the work that God had set in motion.

But Sanballat and Tobiah didn’t stop there. Their hatred for Nehemiah and the people grew, and they continued their attempts to undermine the rebuilding project. They began spreading rumors and lies, falsely accusing the Israelites of planning to rebel against the king, and even threatening the workers with violence, planning to ambush them.

Nehemiah continued to trust God but also took practical steps to ensure the safety of the workers. He arranged for guards to watch over the site and instructed the workers to carry weapons while they worked. This shows that trusting God doesn’t mean sitting back and doing nothing. It means being diligent, taking wise steps, and doing all we can to protect ourselves and the work God has called us to, while knowing that the ultimate outcome is in God’s hands.

Nehemiah’s faith and leadership shine through as he encouraged the workers to keep their eyes on God and not on the opposition. “Do not be afraid of them,” he said. “Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome.” Nehemiah’s leadership wasn’t just about rebuilding a wall; it was about strengthening the hearts of the people, reminding them that God is greater than any opposition they might face.

The workers continued their work despite the threats. They didn’t give up because they knew God was with them, and they trusted He would complete the work He had started. This is a powerful reminder for us today: no matter how many obstacles we face, if we keep our eyes on God, we can keep moving forward in faith, trusting He will make a way.

In the end, the wall was completed in just 52 days, despite the threats and mockery that tried to stop them. This was a clear testimony to God’s faithfulness. No matter how much Sanballat and Tobiah tried to discourage the people, no matter how they tried to make the work seem impossible, God was in control. He worked through Nehemiah and the people to accomplish what seemed impossible.

Sanballat and Tobiah thought they were in control, but in the end, it was their opposition that only made God’s glory shine brighter. Their mocking couldn’t stop the wall from being built, and their attempts at fear and intimidation couldn’t halt the progress of God’s people. This reminds us: when God is at work, no matter how much opposition we face, His plans will not fail.

We can trust God to fight for us when we face opposition. Even when people mock or belittle the work we’re doing, we can rely on God to protect us and bring His will to pass. Sanballat and Tobiah’s pride and fear were no match for God’s power. When we trust in God, no matter how many obstacles we face, we can experience the victory He brings.

Sometimes, in our walk with God, we are led to take actions or make decisions that, at the time, may not seem significant or may not even make sense. But God, in His infinite wisdom and love, is always ahead of us—preparing us, guiding us, and equipping us for situations we may not yet understand. There are times when we don’t see the big picture, and yet, in His perfect timing, we look back and realize that God was already preparing us for the challenges we would face. His foresight is not bound by time. He sees the beginning, the middle, and the end of everything we go through, and He prepares us for what’s coming, even when we don’t realize it.

Nehemiah was walking through this himself. When he first received the call to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, he didn’t know how much opposition he would face. But God had already prepared him. He gave Nehemiah the right words, the right prayers, and the right leadership strategies to overcome the opposition.

God doesn’t wait for the storm to hit and then scramble to help us. He has already been working behind the scenes long before the trial arises. Just as Nehemiah found the courage to keep going, knowing that God was with him every step of the way, we too can walk confidently in faith, even in the face of adversity, because God has already prepared us for what’s ahead.

In life, we may find ourselves in situations where it seems like the opposition is overwhelming. It can feel like everything is against us, and we might not know how we’re going to make it through. Yet, God is faithful and sometimes gives us tools of preparation long before we need them. He guides us in seemingly small actions that don’t immediately make sense. But when the time comes, those small actions are what allow us to stand firm and protect what God has entrusted to us.

When Nehemiah faced Sanballat and Tobiah, he didn’t panic. Instead, he trusted God’s guidance and was confident that God had already provided for him to handle whatever came. He continued to do the work that God had set before him, knowing that the opposition couldn’t stop God’s plan.

As we walk through life, we can trust that God is leading us, even when we don’t see it immediately. He’s preparing us for what lies ahead. Just like Nehemiah, we don’t need to be afraid of opposition. We can be confident in the fact that God has already given us the tools, wisdom, and faith to face whatever comes our way. We may not always know why we’re being led to do something, but God knows exactly why He’s guiding us.

When the challenge comes, whether it’s a trial or a moment of pressure, we will see that God had been leading us, preparing us, and strengthening us all along. The simple things we may have done in obedience, the small steps we took when God whispered instructions, will become the very things that sustain us. It’s like God has been planting seeds of strength in us long before the harvest arrives, and when we need it most, those seeds bloom into the wisdom, courage, and resilience that carry us through.

And just like the people of Jerusalem finished rebuilding the wall in 52 days, despite all the threats and obstacles, we can rest assured that God will complete the good work He has started in us. When we trust Him, we will see His hand at work in ways that astound us. God’s timing is perfect. His wisdom is endless. And His preparations are always for our good, even when we can’t see how it all fits together. Trusting in Him means believing that He has already thought ahead and that, when we walk by faith, we will always have exactly what we need to face the challenges ahead.

So, even when opposition arises, even when it feels like everything is working against us, we can take heart in knowing that God has already prepared us for this moment. He has already given us the wisdom, protection, and strength to stand firm. And when we remember His greatness, His faithfulness, and His provision, we will keep moving forward, knowing that God is in control of it all.

Just as Nehemiah faced opposition when he sought to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, so does any leader, especially one with a clear vision to bring change, face resistance from those who feel threatened by the shift in power. Nehemiah’s story is a powerful reminder that when God’s plan is at work, even the loudest opposition cannot stop His purpose. Today, we can draw from Nehemiah’s example as we witness the opposition faced by leaders who, like him, are boldly pursuing what they believe is God’s call, even when the world mocks and fights against them.

Donald Trump, a man who publicly professes faith and has spoken of his reliance on God, has faced similar ridicule and resistance throughout his presidency. Much like Nehemiah, Trump has been mocked, belittled, and attacked by political opponents determined to undermine the changes he is trying to implement. But, just as Nehemiah did not respond to the mockery of his enemies with anger or frustration, Trump has continued to push forward with his agenda, despite the opposition. Nehemiah, when faced with mockery, turned to God in prayer, trusting that the Lord would take care of the opposition. Similarly, Trump, as a believer, has shown resilience and determination to continue with the changes he believes are necessary for the country.

The Democratic opposition to Trump, like the resistance faced by Nehemiah, is rooted in a battle over power and influence. Just as Sanballat and Tobiah sought to maintain their positions of control, Trump’s agenda has threatened the established power structures, and the resistance from his opponents has been fierce. These opponents use ridicule and threats to try to stop the progress of God’s will. However, just as Nehemiah’s faith did not waver, Trump’s commitment to his mission shows a similar resolve.

Nehemiah’s leadership was about standing firm in God’s purpose, despite the pressures of opposition. In a similar manner, Trump’s leadership, particularly in times of adversity, reflects the importance of remaining faithful to the task at hand, no matter how great the challenge. Like Nehemiah, Trump continues to work toward his vision for America, trusting in God’s plan and knowing that opposition cannot thwart God’s will.

The success of God’s work does not depend on the approval of critics. Just as Nehemiah completed the walls of Jerusalem in 52 days despite opposition, Trump’s efforts—if aligned with God’s purpose—cannot be hindered by mockery or resistance. Even when the task seems impossible or critics raise doubts, God’s plans will prevail.

In times of opposition, we must remember that God is at work behind the scenes, preparing His people for the battles they face. Just as God had already prepared Nehemiah with wisdom and strength, He is at work in the lives of those leaders, including Donald Trump, who are striving to fulfill what they believe is His calling. Through these leaders, God is often working to bring about change.

As Christians, we can look at these moments and draw strength from Nehemiah’s example. We are reminded that the opposition we face—whether in leadership or in our personal lives—cannot stand in the way of God’s plans. Our task is to trust God, keep our eyes on His greatness, and continue to work diligently toward the purpose He has set before us. Whether we are rebuilding walls, reforming a nation, or standing firm in our faith, we can take heart in knowing that, like Nehemiah, we are not alone. God is with us, and His plan will not fail.

I hope this message blessed you. If so, please leave a comment. I look forward to hearing from you.

Anna M. C. Hazen 2025