Nehemiah had been working hard to finish rebuilding the wall, and was now about half way finished. He had already overcome three attacks from the enemy; questioning of his authority, ridiculing and mocking, and gathering others against him. So far, nothing had phased him, and he continued to make progress despite his enemies’ attempts. In chapter 4, verse 7, it says that the “walls of Jerusalem were going up and that the breaches were being closed,” and because of this, his enemies were “very angry.”
The enemy of our marriages starts getting very angry when the breaches- the only way he can enter- start to be closed up and repaired. We ought to know that the enemy wants to maintain access to our marriage. When we are truly dedicated to doing the will of God, the enemy will not let up on us for a moment, because it is his plan and purpose to destroy anything that will bring glory to God. A healthy, godly marriage glorifies God; and healthy, godly lives glorify God, as well. While you are standing, working to restore what has been broken, he will try to distract you and cause you to put down your tools for a moment.
And they all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem, to injure and cause confusion and failure in it. Nehemiah 4:8
This attack from the enemy is on the mind of the one standing. Confusion. Feelings of failure. Pain. This is set up to discourage you from continuing. All the enemy can do is keep trying to throw something your way that will cause you to give up. But knowing that this is the plan from the start means that we can be prepared for it, and we can do just as Nehemiah did:
But because of them we made our prayer to our God and set a watch against them day and night. Vs. 9
Do not be afraid of the enemy; earnestly remember the Lord and imprint Him on your minds, great and terrible, and take from Him courage to fight for your (marriage, family, spouse) and your homes. (Paraphrased) vs. 14
- Nehemiah again took his petition before God in prayer. If things feel uncertain, pray for God to give you peace about the right thing to do. God never gives us confusion, confusion comes from the enemy.
- Nehemiah set up round-the-clock watch over the wall. We must learn to watch for the enemy vigilantly. We cannot relax and feel as though the quiet we are experiencing at this moment means he has gone away. The enemy is always waiting to strike against us.
- Nehemiah knew that he had no reason to fear his enemies because he trusted that God was with him. We must rely on God, and gather strength from Him to continue fighting for our marriages.
The reproaches of our enemies should quicken us to our duty, not drive us from it.
Self-Reflection
Have you had this attack come over you? Where you have been overwhelmed and confused about what to do, when you were once sure of what you should do?
Does the attack from the enemy cause you to give up, or fight even harder? Which is the right response?