As you read through Ezra and Nehemiah you will see that there was opposition to the rebuilding of the wall and temple. It is interesting that when the foundation was complete, the enemies started to rise against them. They brought opposition to the rebuilding. They ridiculed and insulted them. They tried to discourage them and bring fear to the workers who had committed to this task. Nehemiah 4 responds by praying,  “Hear us, our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads. Give them over as plunder in a land of captivity. 5 Do not cover up their guilt or blot out their sins from your sight, for they have thrown insults in the face of the builders.” 6 So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart. In Ezra the opposition was so strong it even came to a standstill. A little later they continued to build under the preaching of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah. They finished building the temple according the command of God.

The same will be for us today. There will be opposition to rebuilding the church. The good news is we have God on our side and as he said, Joshua 1:5 “No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Jesus Himself said Matthew 28:20 “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Luke 10:19 “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” Be prepared for opposition but know in your heart you have been called for this task and God will see His plan completed. “No purpose of yours can be thwarted.” (Job 42)