Nehemiah’s Nemesis

I think we all have a nemesis.  It may be an actual person, like Nehemiah, or it might be an emotion that holds us back, like my fear.

Nehemiah 6:1-14

Reference:  v.9  They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.”
But I prayed, “Now strengthen my hands.” (NIV Bible)

Explore:  Nehemiah was working so hard to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem.  Yet these characters, Sanballat and Tobiah, keep rearing their ugly heads in an effort to thwart all of Nehemiah’s good work.  Just when Nehemiah has held firm against them they come at him again in their attempt to have him and his work stopped.  Sanballat was Nehemiah’s nemesis.
I have a nemesis; it’s fear.  When ever I am working towards a vision and a goal my heart becomes filled with fear and it often thwarts my intentions.  I may not be able to see fear but it’s certainly real in my life.

Application:  I think we all have a nemesis.  It may be an actual person, like Nehemiah, or it might be an emotion that holds us back, like my fear.  The important part of overcoming a challenge is naming it.  Once you acknowledge that your nemesis is at work it helps to put everything in perspective.  Yes, my fear is real when I am putting myself on the line but when I acknowledge that it is just my nemesis at work it no longer overpowers my vision.  It is still present but in the right proportion.  We must not let our nemesis – be it people or emotions – over-ride all our thoughts and feelings.  Remembering that God’s purpose for our lives is bigger than any nemesis that may be lingering in the shadows.

Prayer:  Lord, other people and our own insecurities seem to become so large at times.  Help us to have the wisdom to keep them all in perspective.  Amen.

What or who would you say your nemesis is?

Nehemiah