Living Water #698

LIVING WATER – EPISODE 698 || 1ST MAY, 2026

By Solomon Uwumbolibe Mensah

BUILDING BEYOND THE VOICES OF DISCOURAGEMENT

Scripture Reading: Nehemiah 4:3

“Tobiah the Ammonite, who was at his side, said, “What they are building—even a fox climbing up on it would break down their wall of stones!”

As the people of Jerusalem worked diligently to rebuild the wall, opposition intensified. Tobiah the Ammonite joined Sanballat in mocking the builders and belittling their efforts. He sarcastically declared that even a fox climbing on the wall would cause it to collapse. His words were designed to discourage the workers and make them question the value and durability of their labor. Throughout history, those who have attempted great things for God have faced similar criticism. This verse teaches us how to respond when others ridicule our efforts and attempt to undermine our confidence.

1. Critics Often Attack What They Cannot Stop: Tobiah could not prevent the work from beginning, so he attempted to weaken the builders through ridicule. When people cannot stop progress through direct action, they often resort to criticism and mockery. The enemy understands that discouragement can be more destructive than physical opposition because it attacks the heart and mind. Many worthwhile projects have failed not because of external obstacles but because people allowed negative voices to extinguish their enthusiasm. Believers must recognize that criticism often arises when they are making meaningful progress in fulfilling God's purpose.

2. The Enemy Seeks to Minimize Your Efforts: Tobiah's statement was intended to make the builders feel that their work was insignificant and worthless. By suggesting that a small fox could destroy the wall, he attempted to minimize their achievements and make their labor seem futile. The enemy still uses this strategy today. He whispers that our prayers do not matter, our service is ineffective, and our efforts will never produce results. Yet God sees value where others see weakness. What may appear small in human eyes can become great when empowered by God's blessing and purpose.

3. Words Have the Power to Discourage: Tobiah understood the influence of words. Negative words can create doubt, fear, and discouragement if they are allowed to take root in our hearts. Many people have abandoned dreams, ministries, Businesses and callings because they listened more to critics than to God. The Bible teaches that life and death are in the power of the tongue. For this reason, believers must be careful both in what they say to others and in what they allow themselves to believe. We must guard our hearts against destructive words and remain anchored in God's promises.

4. Do Not Measure Your Work by Human Opinion: The builders could have become discouraged if they had evaluated their progress according to Tobiah's opinion. Instead, they continued working because they understood that they were carrying out God's assignment. Human opinion is often unstable and unreliable. What people criticize today, they may celebrate tomorrow. Success in God's kingdom is not determined by public approval but by faithfulness to God's calling. Believers must learn to seek God's approval above the praise or criticism of people.

5. God Strengthens What He Begins: Although Tobiah mocked the wall's strength, history proves that the wall was completed successfully. His prediction failed because God was behind the project. Whenever God initiates a work, He also provides the strength necessary to complete it. There may be moments when our efforts seem fragile or unfinished, but God specializes in strengthening weak beginnings. The same God who helped the Jews complete the wall is able to establish and sustain the work He has started in our lives, ministries, and communities.

6. Keep Building Despite the Criticism

The greatest response to Tobiah's mockery was not an argument but continued construction. The builders did not stop to prove him wrong; they simply kept working. One of the most powerful ways to answer criticism is through perseverance. Results often speak louder than words. Those who remain faithful to God's calling eventually demonstrate the value of their work through its fruit. Instead of becoming distracted by every negative comment, believers should focus their energy on fulfilling God's purpose and completing the assignment He has given them.

Tobiah's criticism reminds us that discouraging voices will always accompany worthwhile endeavors. Critics may question our abilities, mock our efforts, and predict our failure. However, God's people must refuse to allow negative words to determine their future. When we trust God's calling, value His approval above human opinion, and continue building despite opposition, He will establish the work of our hands. The wall that critics say cannot stand will endure when it is built according to God's plan and by His strength.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the encouragement found in Your Word. Help us to remain steadfast when others criticize or ridicule the work You have called us to do. Guard our hearts from discouragement and strengthen our faith in Your promises. Teach us to value Your approval above human opinions and to continue building faithfully regardless of opposition. May the work of our hands bring glory to Your name and stand strong through Your power. In Jesus' name, Amen.