Day 33 – July 3, 2025
55-day Devotional Journey – Day 33

Scripture
When Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was furious and greatly incensed. He derided the Jews. He said to his brothers and to the army of Samaria, "What are these feeble Jews doing? Are they going to defend themselves? Are they going to offer sacrifices? Are they going to accomplish it in one day? Are they going to take up the burned stones from the heaps and build up the wall again?" Tobiah the Ammonite, who was standing by, said, "The wall they are building is so big that even a fox could climb up and knock it down." Please hear us, our God, for we have been despised. Return their reproach upon their own heads, and make them a prey in the land of their captivity. Do not cover their iniquity, and do not let their sin be blotted out from before you, for they have provoked you to anger in the sight of those who were building the buildings. So we built the wall, and the whole wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had an open mind to work.
Nehemiah 4:1-6 (NIV)

Reflection:
The most our enemies can do is to threaten us. I am not saying that they will not hurt us, but what they want to see the most is our faith becoming weak, especially when we are working wholeheartedly for the Lord. Why would they do that? Because they know that they will fail in the end, because it is God who helps us! Even so, we should not underestimate all these attacks, because we may sometimes be fearful, and no one can face the enemy alone. What we need are people who will walk together with one heart. No one can rely on their own strength to fight Satan alone. What we need to do is to pray together, humbly relying on the Lord. We should not only tell God about our situation and all the injustice we have received; but also declare God's power for He has promised, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay." Therefore, we must pray together so that we can stick to our mission until it is completed. God will punish the wicked; therefore, do not be afraid, and do not retreat, just continue to be faithful

Reflection Question:
Sanballat and Tobiah oppose the rebuilding work. Reflect on the opposition you may face in your mission and how God equips you to persevere despite setbacks.

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, you are the Lord who knows the sinners, who will punish them for all their sins. Our enemies often try to sow discord among us and to stir up trouble in our work. They often intimidate us, causing us to blame and doubt one another, and to drag one another down and cause us to lose faith. Lord! Please help us not to fall into the trap of our enemies, because they know they will surely perish, so they pretend to be fierce and fight in order to make us fall and bring shame to your Name. Lord, we know our own weaknesses, so we must serve with one heart and one mind. Please help us to accomplish our mission with your grace. Please also uphold justice for us so that those who threaten us will be judged. Please strengthen our faith in you until we can glorify your Name together. Thank you, we pray in the Name of the Lord, Amen!

By Tracy Chan