"Sanballat was very angry when he learned that we were rebuilding the wall. He flew into a rage and mocked the Jews, saying in front of his friends and the Samarian army officers, 'What does this bunch of poor, feeble Jews think they are doing? Do they think they can build the wall in a day if they offer enough sacrifices? Look at those charred stones they are pulling out of the rubbish and using again!'"
Nehemiah 4:1-2 (NLT)
Nehemiah set out to rebuild the dilapidated wall of Jerusalem, and nothing was going to stop him. Nonetheless, it was no trouble-free task. His greatest enemy, Sanballat, was on a constant tirade, trying to destroy Nehemiah by crudely discouraging all of his builders. Soundly determined to do God's will, even in the midst of vitriolic criticism, Nehemiah led his team to complete the wall.
Sanballat's criticism would have been a great excuse for Nehemiah to throw in the towel. He could have keenly listened to its banter, firmly believing it, and then finally quit. But Nehemiah understood that criticism would only hurt him if he allowed it. On our journey to fulfill the will of God, we'll inevitably pick up a few critics. On December 1, 1953, at age 38, Dayan became the highest ranking Israeli commander with rank of Major General, the role for which he seemed destined. Whether it was waiting in line for his share of rations, or breaking his leg during paratroop training, all criticism vanished as far as General Dayan's service was concerned-the divine power of his assignment broke down (as it did with Nehemiah) every wall and every critic. When you hear criticism, strengthen your resolve to complete your assignment so that you, too, can glorify God.
Father, I thank You that as I sow my life, I reap an eternal harvest. I sow today and stand firm expecting a harvest from my seed.
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