The Enemy Attacks Again & Again

But when Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabs, Ammonites, and Ashdodites heard that the work was going ahead and that the gaps in the wall of Jerusalem were being repaired, they were furious. They all made plans to come and fight against Jerusalem and throw us into confusion. But we prayed to our God and guarded the city day and night to protect ourselves. Nehemiah 4:7-9 NLT

The story of Nehemiah and the attack he faced from the enemy serves as an example of the spiritual warfare that all Christians encounter. The gaps in the wall of Jerusalem represented an area where the people living in Jerusalem were especially vulnerable to attack. As you draw closer to Christ and you mature in Him, the gaps, or areas, in your life where Satan has a chance to ensnare you get smaller and smaller. Just like the enemies in this account, Satan becomes enraged when your walls are repaired, you get stronger spiritually and those gaps begin to close. He often plans attacks on you, hoping to throw your spiritual life into confusion. He will use whatever he can to trip you up. Just like Nehemiah and his companions, the best defense you have against his attacks is prayer!

Then the people of Judah began to complain, “The workers are getting tired, and there is so much rubble to be moved. We will never be able to build the wall by ourselves.” Meanwhile, our enemies were saying, “Before they know what’s happening, we will swoop down on them and kill them and end their work.” Nehemiah 4:10-11 NLT

Life is full of rubble, full of unwanted situations, things that get in our way, stuff we’d rather not deal with! Moving rubble can be exhausting, and the process will test our endurance, but we must not give up! There are just some things that must be moved out, cleaned up, and gotten rid of if we want God to complete what He is building in us!

The Jews who lived near the enemy came and told us again and again, “They will come from all directions and attack us!” So I placed armed guards behind the lowest parts of the wall in the exposed areas. I stationed the people to stand guard by families, armed with swords, spears, and bows.Then as I looked over the situation, I called together the nobles and the rest of the people and said to them, “Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!”Nehemiah 4:12-14 NLT

The enemy will hammer you again and again! His attacks will come from every direction! Take the time to evaluate your vulnerable places, the “lowest parts” in your wall. Figure out where Satan has the best chance of doing damage to your walk with Christ and be on your guard against those attacks! Stay in the word, and be diligent in prayer. Ask others to lift you in prayer as well. Spend extra time with other Christians who will encourage you in your faith and fight beside you. Remember the Lord! He is indeed great and glorious and fight hard!