Opposition - Sanballat

Sanballat was very angry when he learned that we were rebuilding the wall. He flew into a rage and mocked the Jews, saying in front of his friends and the Samarian army officers, “What does this bunch of poor, feeble Jews think they’re doing?”

Nehemiah 4:1-2

When a reporter asked a Vietnam-era fighter pilot how he could know that he was attacking the correct targets, the man replied, “You always know you’re over the right target because you’re being shot at.”

In the same way, spiritual opposition often confirms that you’re headed in the right direction in your life of faith. The Bible warns us to expect opposition when we move against spiritual enemies bent on opposing our efforts to live a godly life, be a godly husband and father, and be a godly influence on those around us.

Nehemiah endured this kind of opposition as he worked to rebuild the ruined city walls around Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity. Much of that opposition came from a Samaritan leader named Sanballat, a sworn enemy of the Jewish people who opposed the repopulation and rebuilding of the Holy City. Sanballat did everything he could to thwart Nehemiah’s work. First, he mocked and ridiculed the Jews. When that tactic failed, he turned to the sharper weapons of fear, entrapment, and political maneuvering.

Because Nehemiah first dedicated himself and his cause to God, and then proceeded in his work as wisely and practically as he knew how, Sanballat’s efforts failed miserably. The city steadily grew in size, mirroring the height of the rebuilt walls, and the residents remained resolute in seeing the task to its completion.

For every project God assigns you, expect a corresponding “Sanballat” to be working behind the scenes to discourage you and keep you from enjoying all God has for you and the people you love. The main question is not whether such opposition will appear, but how you will you respond when it arrives. Will you choose discouragement or strengthen your sense of resolve?

Don’t give in to discouragement when you face opposition and setbacks in completing whatever task God gives you. Instead, see them as confirmation that you are “flying over the right target.”