Once we are aware of a different way to view our food/diet/body issues, we can expect a full-on attack from the enemy. And God, in His goodness, hasn’t left us alone or unaware of the enemy’s tactics.
In Nehemiah 4 when the Israelites worked to rebuild the wall, they faced continued opposition from their enemies. Can we expect any less? Our enemy will never leave us alone!
In Nehemiah 4, (I’m trusting you, dear Reader, to dig into the Word and read this chapter), when Sanballat heard that the Israelites were rebuilding the wall, the Bible says that he became angry and was greatly incensed. He ridiculed the Jews: “you’re feeble,” “you can’t do it,” “it’ll take too long,” “the job is too big!”
The enemy started with mocking (doesn’t the enemy mock us?). “You can’t do this!” “You’re too weak!” “You’ve failed so many times before.” “It’ll take too long.” “You’re a lost cause!” (What mocking lies does the enemy put in your mind to discourage you? For me, “it’ll take too long” is the lie I am most tempted to believe and can make me chase after the next quick-fix diet…if I believe it.)
When the attacks start, and they will, we need to follow the Israelites’ example: They prayed! And focused on the work. (Take those lies to God and pray for Him to open the eyes of your heart to see and hear only His truth!)
Then what happened to the Israelites? The enemy became more angry and planned a battle. (Dear Reader, never think for even one second that this isn’t a spiritual battle. The spiritual battle intensified the first day that we became aware of the diet gods that vie for our worship.)
And just like the Israelites again, we must pray and set up a guard: “But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat” (Nehemiah 4:9). (Set up a guard! Be aware! Be on guard! This is a spiritual battle!)
The enemy then used surprise, deceit, and attack. “Also our enemies said, ‘Before they know it or see us, we will be right there among them and will kill them and put an end to the work’ ” (Nehemiah 4:11). (Isn’t it wonderful to understand the enemy’s tactics? Surprise and deceit. Lies, lies, lies.)
The Israelites responded by using weapons. And so should we, but our weapons aren’t calorie counters and diets. Our weapons are spiritual and powerful. Our weapons give glory to God!
Nehemiah says in verse 14, “When I saw their fear, I said, ‘Do not be afraid of them; remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives and your houses.’ ” (Dear friend, who are you doing this for? Who are you fighting this battle for? Who else do you long to be free in your life–other than yourself? Fight for them!)
In Nehemiah 4:15, they stayed diligent, watchful, aware, and armed…and they succeeded.
That word “aware” is Yada in Hebrew. It means to perceive, understand, acquire knowledge, discern. It is exactly what’s happening in our journey to freedom! We’re becoming discerning and aware in the spiritual battle we are in.
There’s so much to be gleaned from this chapter about spiritual warfare. But there are also five key things we come away with in this peek into Nehemiah 4 if we are to be victorious in our battle and fight for freedom from bondage.
- Don’t fear–don’t give into our feelings.
- Focus on God.
- Do what’s right and fight.
- Consider the impact on those we love.
- And, finally, never let your guard down. Nehemiah said in verse 23: “Neither I nor my brothers nor my men nor the guards with me took off our clothes; each had his weapon, even when he went for water.”
Never let your guard down. This is war!
