Nehemiah 6:6
‘In it was written: “It is reported among the nations, and Gashmu says, that you and the Jews intend to rebel; for that reason you are rebuilding the wall. And you are to be their king, according to these reports.”‘
It’s one thing to have those that are against you. It’s another for untruths to be told about us. I can relate. I have individuals that are doing so. It’s frustrating.
Nehemiah didn’t listen to them. He did send a reply, but denied the accusations and continued on. It would be easy to get caught up in trying to defend oneself. I did so and wasn’t believed. I was shocked and waited to be vindicated. It never happened.
I thought God would come to my rescue. It didn’t happen. I waited. Still didn’t happen. I had to let it go.
Nehemiah could have gotten anxious and sent messengers to the king to give a defense. That would have districted him from the work. He just sent a denial and moved on.
The enemy was persistent. Five or so times they sought to discourage Nehemiah. That’s intimidating. The powers of the day coming at him.
We have a bigger enemy, the devil, who would love to slow us down and discourage us. Ephesians 6:16 gives us this advice, “In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one.” That’s what these lies are, “flaming darts of the evil one”. We will feel them hitting us. We recite the truth and trust that God is with us. Then we ignore them and move on.
Lord, help us not to let lies or others to discourage us. Help us to use the shield of faith to the flaming darts.