Nehemiah 4-6; Revelation 6

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Nehemiah continues to face relentless and determined opposition in his leadership of God's work. Any endeavor for God is an intrusion into territory that the forces of darkness are unwilling to surrender. They constantly seek ways to hinder the progress of what God and His people are doing.

Nehemiah provides an inspiring example of faithfulness to God while standing firm against adversaries in this situation.
1. Prayer as the Foundation
As he always does, Nehemiah turns to God in prayer (Neh. 4:4-5) and perseveres in his work. When he hears threats of an attack against them, he responds with prayer and action: "But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat" (Neh. 4:9).
2. Preparation and Vigilance
Nehemiah takes practical steps to prepare for potential attacks, balancing trust in God with responsible action. He stations guards and ensures that the people are ready to defend themselves.
3. Encouragement Amid Fear
Nehemiah encourages the people not to fear the threats: "Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives, and your homes" (Neh. 4:14).

As a result, God frustrates their enemies' plans, and the work continues.

Nehemiah also displays excellent organizational skills, ensuring readiness for any attack. Moreover, he addresses internal conflicts within the people, resolving them by pointing their attention back to God (Neh. 5:9).

Nehemiah resists when adversaries try to weaken him with deceit and fear, relying on God for strength: "They were all trying to frighten us… But I prayed, 'Now strengthen my hands'" (Neh. 6:9).

Revelation 6
This chapter describes the Great Tribulation, a period of God's judgment poured out upon the universe at the end of time. It begins with the Lamb breaking the seals on the scroll taken from the One seated on the throne.

The six seals unleash terror upon the earth: conquest, war, famine, death, martyrs' cries for justice, and cosmic disturbances. By the end of the sixth seal, the entire earth is overwhelmed with fear at the realization of God's power and wrath:

"Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and everyone else, both enslaved person and free, hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. They called to the mountains and the rocks, 'Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!'" (Rev. 6:15-16).