DAILY HOPE DEVOTIONALS: SEPTEMBER 23 MAKING PROGRESS AMDIST OPPOSTIONS (1) SCRIPTURE: NEHEMIAH 4: 15; PSALM 74: 23

Historically, every attempt to make positive progress had attracted oppositions from those who feel threatened by noticing the plans to progress. Different periods in political, religious and social history have come and gone, leaving behind sorrowful stories of how people who took a journey into making a good difference in life were vehemently opposed.Opponents are seen in families, nations, business circles and social worlds, making sure that no other person comes close to them. This system has collapsed good developments, healthy economic growths and structural growths. There exist mysteries of making progress against oppositions by certain group of human beings. These are they who have taken the God of the Jews and Christian their Father.

In today’s devotional, how God enabled Nehemiah and his people in the kingdom of Judah progressed in the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem will be looked into. Nehemiah was a Governor under a Persian King, King Artaxerxes over Judah while Sanballat was a Governor under the same King over Samaria sharing boarder with Judah. Nehemiah approached the King of Persia on hearing the sorrowful dilapidation of the walls of Jerusalem, sought permission to go and rebuild the walls. The King of Persia approved Nehemiah’s request. On getting there and getting started to rebuild the walls, very strong opposition groups were raised by Sanballat. Let us understand why Sanballat became the strongest opposing figure to Nehemiah. He was a Governor of Samaria, Jerusalem city that was not under any Governor, was in his control. He was seeing Nehemiah coming to cut him off from the homages from Jerusalem.

Till date we are being opposed by those in power over us when we try to become co-rulers with them. As Christians, our opponents do attempt to stop us from making progress. These groups come from various groups of human beings who form political forces. They would team up with spiritual forces to fight good Christians out of businesses, politics and secular appointments. Many Christians did withdraw from the struggle to get their ambition established. However, few of them who know that oppositions are not obstacles or limitations progressed, in spite of whatever stands before them. The story of Nehemiah and Sanballat is a good illustration of making progress in the mist of oppositions. We will get more ingredients on this tomorrow!

PRAYER:

LORD JESUS, you did not stop making progress because of enemies standing in your ways. Kindly grant me the access into your wisdom to keep making good moves in the presence of those opposing me.

bishopubaudenyi@hopealivechurch

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