Don’t be Discouraged or Distracted by Enemies, but Keep Doing God’s Work <Neh 4:1-3, 7-10, 14-17, 23; 6:1-9, 14-16>

· Read <Neh 4:1-3, 7-10>.

1. When following the Lord and wanting to do His will, inevitably will encounter enemies’ attacks.

1）Our enemies often attack us at our hearts.

· Read <Neh 6:9, 14>.

· Fear (heart loses strength)  hands get weak  stop work.

· Like the Israelites, we may also feel that there are “so much rubble”, such that the building work cannot continue.

· In fact, Satan the enemy cannot harm God’s people, nor can he alter the promises of God, so he can only try to intimidate and deceive God’s children.

2）Distract believers or try to make them compromise.

· Read <Neh 6:1-8>.

· “I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?” <Neh 6:3>

· Must treat the primary things as important, and not let secondary or unimportant things distract us.

3）The attacks of the enemies are persistent.

2. How should we deal with the discouragements and distractions by the enemies?

1）Must “remember the Lord”.

· Read <Neh 4:14>.

2）A person who remembers the Lord will naturally pray when he is under attack.

· Without God’s help, there is no way we can triumph over our enemies no matter what we do.

3）But prayer is still not enough, need to “keep watch, guard against” (be watchful, have actions).

· If a person only prays without being watchful, it is hypocrisy and he is also not being practical.

· Thus, after praying, must have concrete actions.

· Read <Neh 4:15-17, 23>.

· We should also be alert and watchful, guarding against the enemies’ attacks.

3. When we rely on the Lord to overcome the enemies’ opposition and distractions, will naturally see progress.

· Read <Neh 6:15-16>.

· The enemies’ attacks let God’s glory be manifested even more greatly instead.

· Although humans work hard and put in efforts, still give all glory to God.

· Problems shouldn’t intimidate us, but stir us to pray more, carefully rely on God, obey Him, and witness His greater victory.

· To God, the faith of His people is more valuable than a piece of wall. Thus, if His people’s faith can be built and refined through some challenges and time, it is also worthwhile.