Standing Strong in the Face of Distraction

From the Pastor’s Desk

Standing Strong in the Face of Distraction: Lessons from Nehemiah and Sanballat’s Open Letter

Dear Church Family,

In seasons of growth, rebuilding, or revival, we must be ready—not just for the Lord's blessing but also for the enemy's opposition. Growth does not come without pain. The stretching, the pruning, the reshaping—all of it can be uncomfortable. But without change, we wither. Without movement, we stagnate. And if we don’t change, we die—not just physically but spiritually, emotionally, and even as a church body.

It’s also important to remember this: the church was never meant to be a country club for the comfortable, but rather a force for the Kingdom. We are not here for ease but for impact. We are not gathered just to be blessed, but to be builders—builders of people, of truth, of love, and above all, of disciples. Jesus didn’t command us to sit—He commanded us to go. And in that going, there will be opposition.

In Nehemiah 6, we witness a decisive moment when God’s work is nearly complete, and the attacks against it become more intense and strategic. This is no coincidence. The enemy doesn’t waste energy on what poses no threat. The closer we reach God’s call, the more targeted the resistance becomes. But we do not fear. We learn, we grow, and we press on.

Let’s explore this moment together and discover five lessons to help us stand firm in our lives and ministries—even in the face of pressure, pain, and the call to change.

Nehemiah 6:5–9 (NASB)

“Then Sanballat sent his servant to me in the same way a fifth time with an open letter in his hand. In it was written: ‘It is reported among the nations... that you and the Jews are planning to revolt... And you are going to be their king...’ Then I sent a message to him, saying, ‘Such things as you are saying have not been done, but you are inventing them in your own mind.’ For all of them were trying to frighten us, thinking, ‘They will become discouraged with the work and it will not be done.’ But now, God, strengthen my hands.”

Five Lessons to Strengthen Our Resolve

1. Expect Distraction When You’re Nearing the Finish Line

When the wall was nearly complete, Sanballat intensified his attacks. He came with the same trap five times: “Come meet with us.” Then came the open letter—a public accusation designed to shame and stop the progress.

The enemy often doesn’t bother us at the beginning of a calling. Still, when momentum builds and the vision starts coming together, he starts whispering lies, stirring fear, or making accusations.

Application: Are you tired, discouraged, or suddenly under spiritual pressure? It may be because the enemy sees you’re about to break through. Stay the course. You’re closer than you think.

2. Satan Sometimes Uses Good People

Later in the same chapter (Nehemiah 6:10–14), a prophet named Shemaiah falsely warns Nehemiah to hide in the temple to protect himself—an action that would have disqualified Nehemiah as a leader. Other nobles aligned themselves with Tobiah, feeding the opposition information.

It’s a hard truth: Not every “prophetic word” is from God. Not every well-meaning friend is speaking wisdom. Sometimes, the enemy speaks through those we trust—not because they are evil, but because they are uninformed, intimidated, or manipulated.

Application: Always test what you hear against God’s Word and your God-given assignment. Don’t abandon your calling because someone close to you is afraid.

3. Not Every Accusation Deserves a Response

Sanballat’s open letter was filled with lies and half-truths. But Nehemiah didn’t organize a rebuttal. He didn’t try to clear his name or explain his motives to his enemies. He simply said, “You’re making it up,” and went right back to the work.

This is one of the hardest lessons for modern believers, especially in a culture obsessed with image, reputation, and public opinion. But Nehemiah reminds us: when you're doing a work for God, your best defense is to keep building.

Application: The louder the critics get, the more focused we must be. Don’t waste energy defending yourself when God has already approved your mission.

4. Discernment Is a Leadership Essential

Over and over, Nehemiah demonstrates spiritual discernment. He understood the enemy’s tactics. He recognized fearmongering. He perceived when the words of prophets didn’t align with the Spirit of God. In short, he didn’t just react—he discerned.

We need that kind of wisdom today. Not all open doors are divine. Not all resistance means “stop.” And not all advice—even from spiritual people—should be followed.

Application: Pray daily for the Holy Spirit to sharpen your spiritual sight. Ask God for insight beyond what the eye can see or the ear can hear.

5. Stay on the Wall

Perhaps the most iconic line in the entire book is Nehemiah 6:3:

“I am doing great work, and I cannot come down.”

This is the rallying cry of the focused believer. When distractions come, critics shout, and even loved ones urge you to play it safe—you stay on the wall.

You may not be building Jerusalem, but you might be creating a godly marriage, restoring a ministry, raising a child in the ways of the Lord, or healing from your past. Whatever your assignment, it matters. Don’t walk away just because it’s hard or someone misunderstands you.

Application: Know your calling. Value your mission. Keep building, brick by brick, prayer by prayer.

Final Encouragement

Nehemiah didn’t just finish the wall—he finished with integrity, courage, and focus. Lies, distraction, or fear didn’t derail him. And neither should we.

Church, when we commit ourselves to God’s purposes, the enemy will push back. But greater is He who is in us than in the world. Let’s stay the course, pray for strength, and keep our hands in God's work.

“But now, God, strengthen my hands.” — Nehemiah 6:9

With you in His work,

Pastor Randy

📖 7-Day Scripture Reading Plan

"Strengthen My Hands: Staying Focused in Spiritual Opposition" Based on Nehemiah 6

Each day includes a short reading, reflection question, and prayer prompt to help your church family dig deeper throughout the week.

Day 1: The Work and the Wall

📖 Read: Nehemiah 6:1–4📝 Reflect: What “great work” has God called me to that I must not come down from?🙏 Pray: “Lord, help me recognize the assignment You’ve given me and stay committed.”

Day 2: Lies in an Open Letter

📖 Read: Nehemiah 6:5–9. 📝 Reflect: How do I usually respond when falsely accused or misunderstood? 🙏 Pray: “God, help me trust You with my reputation and stay focused on Your mission.”

Day 3: Discernment amid Deception

📖 Read Nehemiah 6:10–14. 📝 Reflect: Am I listening for the Holy Spirit’s voice above the noise of others—even good people?🙏 Pray: “Holy Spirit, sharpen my discernment so I can follow You faithfully.”

Day 4: Strength for the Work

📖 Read: Isaiah 41:10 & Nehemiah 6:9📝 Reflect: Where do I feel weary or discouraged in my calling?🙏 Pray: “Lord, strengthen my hands and renew my heart to do Your will.”

Day 5: Focused Like Jesus

📖 Read: Luke 9:51 & Hebrews 12:2–3📝 Reflect: How did Jesus stay focused on His mission despite opposition?🙏 Pray: “Jesus, help me set my face like flint toward what You’ve called me to do.”

Day 6: Victory Over Distraction

📖 Read: Philippians 3:12–14📝 Reflect: What distractions do I need to let go of to press forward? 🙏 Pray: “Father, help me forget what’s behind and strain toward what’s ahead.”

Day 7: Finishing Well

📖 Read: 2 Timothy 4:6–8 & Nehemiah 6:15–16📝 Reflect: What would it mean for me to finish my race well, with faith and integrity?🙏 Pray: “Lord, keep me faithful to the end. May I complete the work You’ve given me.”