Part 1: When you resolve in your heart to do what's right, be prepared to fight. Not a physical, carnal fight but the "good fight" of faith (see 1 Timothy 6:12). The Bible terms the faith fight as a "good" fight because Jesus has already overcome the world (John 16:33). While Satan cannot stop you, he will do his best to hinder the demonstration of God's will in your life. Obstacles will come your way. Don't be surprised by them, expect them!

So here is the question: Why might obstacles be a little easier to handle if they didn't catch you by surprise?

Think about it and reply me back if you can.

Part 2: Read Nehemiah 4:1-6. Nehemiah faced obstacles before he could even get started. After he motivated the people to join him in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls, area leaders began questioning his credentials and intentions. Nehemiah blew them off and got to work (Nehemiah 2:19-20) That's when his opponents started to getting downright nasty. Sanballat was one who became furious when he saw the wall's progress because a restored Jerusalem would greatly threaten his power. Remember, the world will become furious when the work of God's people threatens its values, influence, and wallet. Don't be surprised by it, expect it!

Sanballat can best be described as a cowardly bully. Bullies always need a group of mean folks around them for support. Enter Tobiah. Notice how Sanballat and Tobiah never attacked the Jews physically; they instead attacked them with discouraging and disparaging words. The old adage, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me," is not biblically accurate. Words are powerful and have the ability to tear down or build up. The Bible declares that "life and death are in the power of the tongue" (Proverbs 18:21). The Jews' mockers were well aware of this and strategically attempted to sow seeds of doubt and discouragement into the Jews' minds to get them to give up, cave in, and quit. No physical fight would be needed.

Nehemiah's obstacle was Sanballat. Your obstacle is Satan. He will do everything he can to make you give up serving God. He'll try to convince you that you're not good enough, your relationship with God is worthless, and your task is impossible. Don't fall for it. Satan is just a bully, and he'll gather mean-spirited people to join him in opposing you. Don't be surprised by it, expect it!

Question #2: What insult is Satan throwing at you now to try to make you give up?

Think about it and reply me back if you can.