In my devotional studies, I am going back through the book of Nehemiah. Where leadership and vision casting are concerned, you will not find a better biblical model than Nehemiah. As I was reading chapter two, I was impressed by this fact: whenever God gives you a vision, Satan will always send someone to attack it.
God gave Nehemiah a vision to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and bring the people back to God. However, Satan sends Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem to bring opposition and ridicule to Nehemiah and the people. In v.19 of chapter two, Nehemiah says these men, "mocked and despised us..." Think about that for a moment and let it sink in. When God gives you a white hot vision to do something great for His kingdom be prepared. The Sanballats, Tobiahs, and Geshems are going to come out of the woodwork. They are going to try to discouraged you. They are going to mock you. They are even going to despise you. However, you must not let that prevent you from achieving the purpose God placed you here on this earth for.
I want you to notice Nehemiah's reply in v.20: "The God of heaven is the One who will grant us success." If you are obsessed with the critics, then you cannot be obsessed with Jesus! It is not up to us to silence the critics. God is the one who will grant us success when we completely and totally follow Him regardless of what others around us are saying. Don't listen to the critics, listen to God. Trust me, your life will be much better for it.
Expecting Great Things,
Bryan
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