The story of Nehemiah contains a powerful reminder for each of us right now: God who made the promise is faithful—and stands with you in your service for Him.

Just as Nehemiah had an unshakable confidence when faced with opposition, God has a gift of faith for you. One that is timely and specific to your needs.

Perhaps you have been experiencing changes. You may even be facing resistance—if so, take heart in this assurance:

• “If God is for you, who can ever be against you?” (See Rom 8:31)

A Prophetic Dream

A few months ago, we had some unexpected changes take place. For a short time, I experienced an extreme level of oppression.

Then one night, I had a dream that an assailant was in my living room.
He was armed and wearing camouflage gear—and appeared to be moving towards me as though on a mission.

But instantly, I saw myself shoving that cardboard picture, and it fell straight over.
Yes—it was a life-sized cardboard cut-out!
Then, I stirred awake and laughed.

You can Knock Fear Down!

Who knows that in your peripheral vision or from a distance, a cardboard cut-out looks real!
Likewise, fear can seem real when it is just projecting an image of threat. [2]
One that we can easily knock down.

God used that dream to shift my perspective during a time of transition and to remind me that I am an overcomer.
It also inspired me to take another look at the story of Nehemiah.

4 Ways to Overcome Fear

In the right context, the physical experience of fear can keep us from danger.

• Whereas demonic fear seeks to hinder our destiny.

Nehemiah’s adversaries tried to achieve this by sending threatening messages (Nehemiah 6), and for a while, the rumors and evil reports were relentless.

His response offers us wisdom for dealing with intimidation, whether it arises internally in our thoughts or externally from others:

1. Know and Declare the Truth

So, Nehemiah sent a message back, saying, “There is no truth in any part of your story. You are making up the whole thing.” (Neh 6:8-9, NLT)

Those threats that come against you—that are based on lies—are empty of power.
As Nehemiah did, you can declare the truth! Proclaim, “Fear, you are over and out, in Jesus’ Name!”

• This is the light that brings comfort, reassurance, and joy!
• You are undefeated and victorious in Christ Jesus.

Through overcoming faith, you can push past every fear.

2. Use the Bigger Picture to Stay on Track

Nehemiah observed, “They were just trying to intimidate us, imagining that they could discourage us and stop the work. So I continued the work with even greater determination.” (Neh 6:8-9, NLT)

Nehemiah discerned the motivation behind the threats—and (unsurprisingly) it aimed to stop God’s work.
Sometimes, attacks of intimidation are designed to dishearten you, so that you give up the work of God. Or to prevent you from moving in the new direction He has for you.

As I often say, “Where there is battle, there is bounty!” So, discern the bounty—the prize the enemy is after—and move in the opposite spirit, the Holy Spirit! As Nehemiah did, you can receive “even greater determination” to continue what God has called you to do.

3. Apply Faith and Wisdom

Nehemiah didn’t dismiss the threats—he acted wisely to prepare the people to face a battle.
But he didn’t flinch from his God-given assignment. And he remained on track to complete rebuilding the city walls.

This serves as a reminder that faith and wisdom work together—it’s not faith without wisdom; neither is it all wisdom and no faith! Sometimes, we mistakenly view them as opposites, but when we use them together, we honor God.

The Lord is shining His light into dark corners to reveal what has been working in the shadows.

• And some problems that seem to loom large will be overcome with wisdom and discernment.

4. Recall the Track Record of God’s Favor

When Nehemiah’s opponents were vocal, he remained on track.
Because he knew God, who made the promise, is faithful!

Nehemiah only needed to look back and see the chain of events that led to this moment, to see God’s hand at work.

• Answers to prayer
• The favor of the king
• Being commissioned
• Finances being released
• The unity of God’s people

And likewise, there is power in recalling the faithfulness of God and the milestones along the way.

God is Your Defender

“If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” (Rom 8:31)

That little word “for”, is packed with meaning!
It means, “…for one’s safety, for one’s advantage or benefit (one who does a thing for another, is conceived of as standing or bending ‘over’ the one whom he would shield or defend…” [1]

What a powerful insight in one tiny word: God is your Defender and Shield.

Just as Nehemiah knew his enemies had no real power when God was for him, you can have confidence.

You are not at risk of being overpowered, for, “If God is for you, who can ever be against you?”
God who made the promise is faithful—and stands with you in your service for Him.

Notes
[1] Strong’s G5228 “hyper”
[2] There’s an oft-used acrostic that’s relevant here: False Evidence Appearing Real (F.E.A.R.)

Related posts:
8 Keys to Breaking Free from a Python Spirit

God Says, “I Am Giving You the Power to Stay on Track”

3 Signs Spiritual Warfare is a Distraction

Leave a Comment
I pray this word is timely for you, as it has been for me.
Which part of this insight stands out to you? I’d love to hear from you, so leave a message or your prayer request in the comments box below

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© 2024 Helen Calder, Enliven Blog

Enliven Ministries: Prophetic ministry for a revival generation

Helen Calder

Helen Calder is a prophetic minister and writer, and founder of Enliven Ministries. Helen has a unique gift of equipping in prophetic ministry and prayer. She is known for Enliven Blog (est. 2009), an online resource that reaches thousands of people globally.