Hard Work and Hostility

One of the greatest truisms in life is the saying, “no pain, no gain.” This can relate to learning a skill or musical talent, training for a sport, furthering your education, or your efforts to climb the corporate ladder. No accomplishment of any significance will come without a cost. If you want to do something great, you are going to have to pay a price and prepare for opposition. 

This is what Nehemiah experienced in Jerusalem while rebuilding the wall. In chapter 2, he assessed the broken-down wall and shared his vision with the people. In chapter 3, Nehemiah organizes the workers and families of Jews to spread out and each work on a different section of the wall. 

As they begin to see progress, their enemies start to challenge and mock their work (Neh 4:1-6). Their goal was to discourage the people so they would abandon their mission to rebuild the wall. 

How would you handle the difficult task of rebuilding something while being mocked and discouraged by your neighbors? Are you ready to do hard things in the face of hostility?