Building in the Battle: Why Opposition Is a Sign You’re on the Right Track
Text: Nehemiah 4
Introduction
Nearly nine years ago, my wife and I celebrated our 12th anniversary. It had been an amazing 12 years together, full of memories, growth, and laughter. Naturally, being the romantics we are, we planned something unforgettable to mark the occasion. You might think we went on a fancy getaway or had a candlelit dinner. But no—this is us we’re talking about. We decided to celebrate by running the Boyne Mountain 10k. Because nothing says “happy anniversary” like voluntarily sprinting up a mountain, right? The couple that runs together stays together!
This race was one for the books. For some reason, we had it in our minds that they'd shuttle us up the mountain on the ski lift, and we’d enjoy a scenic trail run down the mountain. That’s not what happened. Instead, the starting line was at the bottom, and our first mission was to run straight up the mountainside. After clocking a blazing-fast 20:35 first minute mile pace (yes, you read that right), the rest of the race was actually pretty enjoyable and incredibly beautiful. But that climb—it was brutal. It reminded us that reaching the finish line sometimes requires digging deep, pushing through, and facing the mountain head-on.
That climb reminds me of the story of Nehemiah. He set out to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem for the welfare of his people. It was a noble mission—but it was met with intense opposition. Whenever you set out to do something worthwhile, especially something that brings life or restoration, you’re going to face resistance. Just like we couldn’t coast down a trail and call it a race, Nehemiah couldn’t build without first battling through criticism, threats, and discouragement.
That’s a leadership lesson worth holding onto: any great goal, any Kingdom work, will involve struggle. There’s even a law for it—Murphy’s Law: “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.” And as followers of Christ, we should expect nothing less. Jesus Himself faced relentless opposition. From the religious leaders who saw Him as a threat, to the crowds who rejected Him, and the Roman authorities who ultimately crucified Him—His path was marked with resistance.
And yet, He never wavered. So we shouldn’t be surprised when we face opposition for doing what’s right. As Scripture reminds us, “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). The climb may be steep, but the view from the top—and the finish line—makes it all worth it.
The Sources of This Opposition
So, it’s clear that opposition is a reality—but what are the underlying sources that drive it? At its core, opposition often arises not from failure, but from success. As James M. Boice insightfully notes, “Opposition is almost always by success and not failure.” In other words, when something meaningful is being accomplished—especially in the work of God—it attracts resistance.
Boice identifies eight sinful sources that often fuel this kind of opposition:
Two Types of Opposition
Opponents of Kingdom work are often remarkably predictable. They tend to rely on one of two primary strategies: ridicule and threats of violence. These tactics are not new—they've been used throughout history to discourage and derail those doing God’s work. We see both clearly at play in Nehemiah’s account.
"Now when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was angry and greatly enraged, and he jeered at the Jews. 2 And he said in the presence of his brothers and of the army of Samaria, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they restore it for themselves?[b] Will they sacrifice? Will they finish up in a day? Will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish, and burned ones at that?” 3 Tobiah the Ammonite was beside him, and he said, “Yes, what they are building—if a fox goes up on it he will break down their stone wall!” 4 Hear, O our God, for we are despised. Turn back their taunt on their own heads and give them up to be plundered in a land where they are captives. 5 Do not cover their guilt, and let not their sin be blotted out from your sight, for they have provoked you to anger in the presence of the builders.
6 So we built the wall. And all the wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.
7 But when Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabs and the Ammonites and the Ashdodites heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem was going forward and that the breaches were beginning to be closed, they were very angry. 8 And they all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and to cause confusion in it. 9 And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night."- Neh. 4:1-9
Some years ago, Justin Phillips shared with me a powerful encounter he had while ministering outside a local abortion clinic. One of the workers ridiculed him, accusing him of violating the F.A.C.E. law—a federal statute that, if broken, could result in prison time. Another worker confronted him with a more direct threat, saying she had pepper spray and wasn’t afraid to use it. Here was a man engaged in Kingdom work, and the response was textbook: ridicule and the threat of violence.
This is what happens when we step out into the world with a Kingdom vision—opposition follows. But it’s important to make a distinction: Kingdom work will always bring opposition; church work rarely does. As long as we stay comfortable within the four walls of our buildings, we can avoid conflict—but we’ll also avoid impact. The church was never meant to play hide-and-seek with the culture. If we’re serious about advancing the gospel and bringing light into darkness, we must be prepared to face resistance.
Three Responses
In this passage, we see three distinct ways Nehemiah responded to opposition. Here’s a summary of his responses:
In Judah it was said, “The strength of those who bear the burdens is failing. There is too much rubble. By ourselves we will not be able to rebuild the wall.” 11 And our enemies said, “They will not know or see till we come among them and kill them and stop the work.” 12 At that time the Jews who lived near them came from all directions and said to us ten times, “You must return to us.”13 So in the lowest parts of the space behind the wall, in open places, I stationed the people by their clans, with their swords, their spears, and their bows. 14 And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “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 homes.”
The Work Resumes
15 When our enemies heard that it was known to us and that God had frustrated their plan, we all returned to the wall, each to his work. 16 From that day on, half of my servants worked on construction, and half held the spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail. And the leaders stood behind the whole house of Judah, 17 who were building on the wall. Those who carried burdens were loaded in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and held his weapon with the other. 18 And each of the builders had his sword strapped at his side while he built. The man who sounded the trumpet was beside me. 19 And I said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “The work is great and widely spread, and we are separated on the wall, far from one another. 20 In the place where you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.”
21 So we labored at the work, and half of them held the spears from the break of dawn until the stars came out. 22 I also said to the people at that time, “Let every man and his servant pass the night within Jerusalem, that they may be a guard for us by night and may labor by day.” 23 So neither I nor my brothers nor my servants nor the men of the guard who followed me, none of us took off our clothes; each kept his weapon at his right hand.-Neh. 4:10-23
There are three key principles we can draw from Nehemiah’s response to opposition. When the pressure came, Nehemiah didn’t panic, retreat, or compromise. He dug in, he developed a plan, and he depended on God.
First, Nehemiah dug in. He didn’t let the threats or ridicule deter him. He stood firm in his calling and refused to back down. Opposition didn’t shake his resolve—it clarified it. When you're doing Kingdom work, you need that same grit. You need to be spiritually stubborn. There’s a time to be gentle, but there’s also a time to dig in your heels and say, “We’re not going anywhere.”
Second, Nehemiah developed a plan. He used strategy. He positioned people, organized shifts, equipped workers with tools in one hand and weapons in the other. He didn’t assume that faith meant abandoning wisdom. He used his mind, his leadership skills, and his discernment to create a structure that could withstand attack. That’s what real Kingdom leadership looks like—faith that thinks.
And third, Nehemiah depended on God. He prayed constantly. He cried out to the Lord in the middle of the chaos. He knew that strategy alone wouldn’t save them. His hope wasn’t in the wall, the weapons, or even the workers—it was in the God who called him to the work in the first place. Kingdom work requires Kingdom power, and Nehemiah knew exactly where to find it.
Or, to borrow a phrase that came out of the Civil War, his mindset was clear: “Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition.” That’s the posture of a believer engaged in real battle. Trust in God, but get ready to move. Worship and work. Pray and prepare. That’s how Nehemiah pressed on—and that’s how we’re called to lead today.
Conclusion
So where does that leave us?
We live in a world where comfort and ease are often mistaken for blessing. But the story of Nehemiah reminds us that real Kingdom work is rarely comfortable—and it’s never easy. The climb is steep. The critics are loud. The threats are real. But none of that means we’re doing something wrong. In fact, it might be the clearest sign we’re right where God wants us.
When you feel opposition rising—when ridicule and resistance start showing up—don’t lose heart. Dig in. Remember your calling. Nehemiah didn’t waste time trying to silence his critics. He didn’t spiral into anxiety or retreat into safety. He took his stand, developed a strategy, and leaned wholly on the strength of God. That same pattern still holds: hold the line, make a plan, and trust in the Lord.
You may not be rebuilding an ancient wall, but if you’re fighting for your marriage, raising your kids in the truth, standing for life, investing in the next generation, or taking the gospel into dark places, then make no mistake—you’re in the thick of Kingdom work. And that means opposition is inevitable. But so is victory.
So take a deep breath. Lace up your shoes. The mountain is steep, but the view is worth it. And like Nehemiah, may we be the kind of people who say, “I will not come down—I’m doing a great work.” May we be the ones who praise the Lord… and pass the ammunition.
Introduction
Nearly nine years ago, my wife and I celebrated our 12th anniversary. It had been an amazing 12 years together, full of memories, growth, and laughter. Naturally, being the romantics we are, we planned something unforgettable to mark the occasion. You might think we went on a fancy getaway or had a candlelit dinner. But no—this is us we’re talking about. We decided to celebrate by running the Boyne Mountain 10k. Because nothing says “happy anniversary” like voluntarily sprinting up a mountain, right? The couple that runs together stays together!
This race was one for the books. For some reason, we had it in our minds that they'd shuttle us up the mountain on the ski lift, and we’d enjoy a scenic trail run down the mountain. That’s not what happened. Instead, the starting line was at the bottom, and our first mission was to run straight up the mountainside. After clocking a blazing-fast 20:35 first minute mile pace (yes, you read that right), the rest of the race was actually pretty enjoyable and incredibly beautiful. But that climb—it was brutal. It reminded us that reaching the finish line sometimes requires digging deep, pushing through, and facing the mountain head-on.
That climb reminds me of the story of Nehemiah. He set out to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem for the welfare of his people. It was a noble mission—but it was met with intense opposition. Whenever you set out to do something worthwhile, especially something that brings life or restoration, you’re going to face resistance. Just like we couldn’t coast down a trail and call it a race, Nehemiah couldn’t build without first battling through criticism, threats, and discouragement.
That’s a leadership lesson worth holding onto: any great goal, any Kingdom work, will involve struggle. There’s even a law for it—Murphy’s Law: “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.” And as followers of Christ, we should expect nothing less. Jesus Himself faced relentless opposition. From the religious leaders who saw Him as a threat, to the crowds who rejected Him, and the Roman authorities who ultimately crucified Him—His path was marked with resistance.
And yet, He never wavered. So we shouldn’t be surprised when we face opposition for doing what’s right. As Scripture reminds us, “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). The climb may be steep, but the view from the top—and the finish line—makes it all worth it.
The Sources of This Opposition
So, it’s clear that opposition is a reality—but what are the underlying sources that drive it? At its core, opposition often arises not from failure, but from success. As James M. Boice insightfully notes, “Opposition is almost always by success and not failure.” In other words, when something meaningful is being accomplished—especially in the work of God—it attracts resistance.
Boice identifies eight sinful sources that often fuel this kind of opposition:
- People feel threatened by someone else’s success. This was true for Nehemiah’s opponents. His success would have disrupted their control and their ability to exploit the Israelites for personal gain.
- People are jealous. Jealousy—especially in ministry—is a subtle and dangerous sin. It's often disguised in religious language, but at its root, it resents the fruitfulness of another.
- People have competing agendas. They use a project or ministry as a platform to advance their own interests rather than God’s purposes.
- People feel excluded. Ironically, those who oppose the work may still crave inclusion. They want to be part of the “inner circle,” even if they undermine the mission.
- People judge others’ motives. Nehemiah’s critics accused him of rebelling against the king, questioning the integrity of his intentions without evidence.
- People lose face when another leader succeeds. When someone says, “It can’t be done,” and another leader steps in and gets it done, pride takes a hit.
- People resist change. Some simply don’t want to rock the boat. They prefer the status quo, even if it’s broken.
- People are used by Satan to oppose Kingdom work. While Satan may leave lifeless “church activity” alone, he will actively seek to frustrate genuine Kingdom advancement
Two Types of Opposition
Opponents of Kingdom work are often remarkably predictable. They tend to rely on one of two primary strategies: ridicule and threats of violence. These tactics are not new—they've been used throughout history to discourage and derail those doing God’s work. We see both clearly at play in Nehemiah’s account.
"Now when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was angry and greatly enraged, and he jeered at the Jews. 2 And he said in the presence of his brothers and of the army of Samaria, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they restore it for themselves?[b] Will they sacrifice? Will they finish up in a day? Will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish, and burned ones at that?” 3 Tobiah the Ammonite was beside him, and he said, “Yes, what they are building—if a fox goes up on it he will break down their stone wall!” 4 Hear, O our God, for we are despised. Turn back their taunt on their own heads and give them up to be plundered in a land where they are captives. 5 Do not cover their guilt, and let not their sin be blotted out from your sight, for they have provoked you to anger in the presence of the builders.
6 So we built the wall. And all the wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.
7 But when Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabs and the Ammonites and the Ashdodites heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem was going forward and that the breaches were beginning to be closed, they were very angry. 8 And they all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and to cause confusion in it. 9 And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night."- Neh. 4:1-9
Some years ago, Justin Phillips shared with me a powerful encounter he had while ministering outside a local abortion clinic. One of the workers ridiculed him, accusing him of violating the F.A.C.E. law—a federal statute that, if broken, could result in prison time. Another worker confronted him with a more direct threat, saying she had pepper spray and wasn’t afraid to use it. Here was a man engaged in Kingdom work, and the response was textbook: ridicule and the threat of violence.
This is what happens when we step out into the world with a Kingdom vision—opposition follows. But it’s important to make a distinction: Kingdom work will always bring opposition; church work rarely does. As long as we stay comfortable within the four walls of our buildings, we can avoid conflict—but we’ll also avoid impact. The church was never meant to play hide-and-seek with the culture. If we’re serious about advancing the gospel and bringing light into darkness, we must be prepared to face resistance.
Three Responses
In this passage, we see three distinct ways Nehemiah responded to opposition. Here’s a summary of his responses:
In Judah it was said, “The strength of those who bear the burdens is failing. There is too much rubble. By ourselves we will not be able to rebuild the wall.” 11 And our enemies said, “They will not know or see till we come among them and kill them and stop the work.” 12 At that time the Jews who lived near them came from all directions and said to us ten times, “You must return to us.”13 So in the lowest parts of the space behind the wall, in open places, I stationed the people by their clans, with their swords, their spears, and their bows. 14 And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “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 homes.”
The Work Resumes
15 When our enemies heard that it was known to us and that God had frustrated their plan, we all returned to the wall, each to his work. 16 From that day on, half of my servants worked on construction, and half held the spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail. And the leaders stood behind the whole house of Judah, 17 who were building on the wall. Those who carried burdens were loaded in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and held his weapon with the other. 18 And each of the builders had his sword strapped at his side while he built. The man who sounded the trumpet was beside me. 19 And I said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “The work is great and widely spread, and we are separated on the wall, far from one another. 20 In the place where you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.”
21 So we labored at the work, and half of them held the spears from the break of dawn until the stars came out. 22 I also said to the people at that time, “Let every man and his servant pass the night within Jerusalem, that they may be a guard for us by night and may labor by day.” 23 So neither I nor my brothers nor my servants nor the men of the guard who followed me, none of us took off our clothes; each kept his weapon at his right hand.-Neh. 4:10-23
There are three key principles we can draw from Nehemiah’s response to opposition. When the pressure came, Nehemiah didn’t panic, retreat, or compromise. He dug in, he developed a plan, and he depended on God.
First, Nehemiah dug in. He didn’t let the threats or ridicule deter him. He stood firm in his calling and refused to back down. Opposition didn’t shake his resolve—it clarified it. When you're doing Kingdom work, you need that same grit. You need to be spiritually stubborn. There’s a time to be gentle, but there’s also a time to dig in your heels and say, “We’re not going anywhere.”
Second, Nehemiah developed a plan. He used strategy. He positioned people, organized shifts, equipped workers with tools in one hand and weapons in the other. He didn’t assume that faith meant abandoning wisdom. He used his mind, his leadership skills, and his discernment to create a structure that could withstand attack. That’s what real Kingdom leadership looks like—faith that thinks.
And third, Nehemiah depended on God. He prayed constantly. He cried out to the Lord in the middle of the chaos. He knew that strategy alone wouldn’t save them. His hope wasn’t in the wall, the weapons, or even the workers—it was in the God who called him to the work in the first place. Kingdom work requires Kingdom power, and Nehemiah knew exactly where to find it.
Or, to borrow a phrase that came out of the Civil War, his mindset was clear: “Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition.” That’s the posture of a believer engaged in real battle. Trust in God, but get ready to move. Worship and work. Pray and prepare. That’s how Nehemiah pressed on—and that’s how we’re called to lead today.
Conclusion
So where does that leave us?
We live in a world where comfort and ease are often mistaken for blessing. But the story of Nehemiah reminds us that real Kingdom work is rarely comfortable—and it’s never easy. The climb is steep. The critics are loud. The threats are real. But none of that means we’re doing something wrong. In fact, it might be the clearest sign we’re right where God wants us.
When you feel opposition rising—when ridicule and resistance start showing up—don’t lose heart. Dig in. Remember your calling. Nehemiah didn’t waste time trying to silence his critics. He didn’t spiral into anxiety or retreat into safety. He took his stand, developed a strategy, and leaned wholly on the strength of God. That same pattern still holds: hold the line, make a plan, and trust in the Lord.
You may not be rebuilding an ancient wall, but if you’re fighting for your marriage, raising your kids in the truth, standing for life, investing in the next generation, or taking the gospel into dark places, then make no mistake—you’re in the thick of Kingdom work. And that means opposition is inevitable. But so is victory.
So take a deep breath. Lace up your shoes. The mountain is steep, but the view is worth it. And like Nehemiah, may we be the kind of people who say, “I will not come down—I’m doing a great work.” May we be the ones who praise the Lord… and pass the ammunition.
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