Day 30 – June 30, 2025
55-day Devotional Journey – Day 30

Scripture
But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official and Geshem the Arab heard about it, they mocked and ridiculed us. "What is this you are doing?" they asked. "Are you rebelling against the king?" I answered them by saying, "The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding, but as for you, you have no share in Jerusalem or any claim or historic right to it."
Nehemiah 2:19–20 (NIV)

Reflection:
When everyone was determined to rebuild the wall together, how could Satan just sit back and do nothing? When we know that God is indeed in our Church and has given us this beautiful territory, asking us to "enlarge the place of the tabernacle, and stretch out the curtains of the dwelling place of the Lord, to lengthen his cords, and to strengthen his stakes (Isaiah 54:2)", would you be willing to work together to proclaim the gospel and to build the Church for His Name? We will surely experience numerous difficulties and challenges. Our enemies will do everything they can to hinder us from striving to be faithful for God and the truth. What we face today is exactly what the Jews faced in the past: fear from politics and economy, ridicule from our enemies, and threats that make us insecure... All of this cannot make us retreat, as Nehemiah reminded us, because we are all God's servants. We have God's guidance. We have clear goals and missions. We know that the enemy will surely be defeated, and we will surely be victorious, because God will make us prosper. Let us be strong and courageous and fight for the Lord's Name together, to fulfill the Lord's entrustment. Are you ready to fight for His Name?

Reflection Question:
Nehemiah faces opposition but remains steadfast. Reflect on how to handle opposition when carrying out God's work. How can you keep your focus and resolve?

Prayer:
Almighty Lord, you are in control of everything. You also send your servants to fight for you, to bring back the hearts of the people, and to build up the Body of Christ: the Church that you bought with your precious blood. We are filled with gratitude because you have determined to grow us in this land that belongs to you. May the NYCBC family shine for you here, preach the gospel here, and send servants out from here to establish the Lord's strongholds all over the world. Although we will face many attacks, because of your unfailing presence and inspiration, we will see the wall being built, people's hearts turning to you, your kingdom being manifested, and your Name being exalted. Lord, because you are the commander-in-chief of our Army, you will enable us to accomplish our mission with full power. Thank God for hearing our prayer. In His Name we pray, Amen!

By Tracy Chan