Living Water #699

LIVING WATER – EPISODE 699 || 2ND MAY, 2026

Solomon Uwumbolibe Mensah

TAKING OPPOSITION TO GOD IN PRAYER

Scripture Readings: Nehemiah 4:4-5

“Hear us, our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads. Give them over as plunder in a land of captivity. Do not cover up their guilt or blot out their sins from your sight, for they have thrown insults in the face of the builders.”

As the enemies of Jerusalem intensified their ridicule and attacks against the builders, Nehemiah did not respond with anger, retaliation, or personal revenge. Instead, he took the matter directly to God in prayer. Feeling the weight of rejection and contempt, he cried out, "Hear us, our God, for we are despised." Nehemiah understood that some battles are too great to be fought with human strength alone. His response teaches believers the importance of turning to God when facing opposition, injustice, and discouragement.

1. Prayer Should Be Our First Response to Opposition: When faced with insults and mockery, Nehemiah immediately sought God's intervention. Rather than becoming consumed with defending himself or attacking his enemies, he brought his concerns before the Lord. This demonstrates spiritual maturity and dependence upon God. Too often people react emotionally when criticized, but Nehemiah teaches us to respond prayerfully. When challenges arise, our first instinct should be to seek God's wisdom, strength, and guidance. Prayer invites God into our circumstances and reminds us that He is greater than any opposition we may face.

2. God Sees the Pain of His People: Nehemiah openly expressed the hurt and humiliation the builders were experiencing by saying, "We are despised." He did not hide his emotions from God. This reminds us that God is concerned about the struggles and wounds of His children. He sees every insult, every rejection, and every act of injustice. When people misunderstand, ridicule, or oppose us, we can find comfort in knowing that God is aware of our pain. Nothing escapes His notice, and He remains attentive to the cries of those who trust in Him.

3. Leave Judgment in God's Hands: Nehemiah asked God to deal with those who opposed His work. Instead of seeking personal revenge, he entrusted the matter to divine justice. This is an important principle for believers. While the language of Nehemiah's prayer reflects the context of the Old Testament covenant community, the underlying lesson remains valuable: God's people are called to trust God as the righteous Judge. We may not always see immediate justice, but we can be confident that God knows every action and will ultimately judge fairly. Entrusting judgment to God frees us from bitterness and allows us to focus on our assignment.

4. Opposition Against God's Work Is Serious: Nehemiah recognized that the enemies were not merely insulting the builders; they were opposing the work that God had ordained. Their insults were directed against God's purposes for Jerusalem. Whenever people resist God's plans, they place themselves in opposition to His will. This passage reminds us that God's work is precious in His sight. He takes seriously those who discourage, hinder, or attack the advancement of His kingdom. Therefore, believers should approach God's work with reverence, recognizing that they are participating in something that matters deeply to Him.

5. Honest Prayer Strengthens Faith: Nehemiah's prayer was honest, passionate, and sincere. He did not pretend that the opposition did not affect him. Instead, he poured out his heart before God. Genuine prayer allows believers to bring their fears, frustrations, and burdens into God's presence. When we are transparent with God, we create space for His peace and strength to fill our hearts. Honest prayer is not a sign of weak faith; it is evidence of trust in a God who listens and cares for His people.

6. Prayer Empowers Us to Continue the Work: One of the remarkable aspects of Nehemiah's prayer is that after praying, he returned to the task of rebuilding. Prayer did not become an excuse to stop working; rather, it empowered him to continue. True prayer strengthens believers for action. When we bring our burdens to God, He renews our courage, restores our focus, and equips us to persevere. Prayer is not an alternative to the work God has called us to do; it is the source of strength that enables us to complete it.

Nehemiah 4:4-5 teaches us that when opposition arises, we should take our burdens to God in prayer. He sees our pain, hears our cries, and understands our struggles. Rather than seeking revenge, we can trust Him to administer justice while we remain focused on the work He has assigned to us. Through honest and fervent prayer, God strengthens our hearts and enables us to persevere despite criticism and resistance. The believer who prays will find the courage to keep building even when opposition seems overwhelming.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for being a God who hears us when we call upon You. When we face opposition, criticism, or injustice, help us to bring our concerns to You rather than reacting in anger or fear. Strengthen our hearts, renew our faith, and remind us that You see every struggle we endure. Teach us to trust Your justice and remain faithful to the work You have called us to do. May our prayers draw us closer to You and give us the courage to keep building for Your glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.