“Keep Building Despite the Mockers”

 “Keep Building Despite the Mockers”

Text: Nehemiah 4:2-3

 “What are these feeble Jews doing?...” “Even if a fox goes up on what they are building, it would break down their stone wall.”

Introduction

The story of Nehemiah teaches us that whenever God inspires a great work, opposition is never far away. The Jews had returned from exile and were rebuilding the broken walls of Jerusalem. As they worked, their enemies, Sanballat and Tobiah, ridiculed them. They mocked their strength, their abilities, and even the quality of their work.

The enemies did not attack the wall first; they attacked the workers' confidence. They called them "feeble Jews" and laughed at their efforts.

The same thing happens today. Whenever God places a vision in your heart, there will be voices that question your ability, your resources, your background, and your chances of success. But the message of this passage is clear: keep building despite the mockers.

1. Every Great Vision Attracts Opposition

Sanballat asked, "What are these feeble Jews doing?"

The Jews were not doing anything wrong; they were doing God's work. Yet they faced criticism.

Joseph was mocked before he became a ruler. David was despised before he became king. Jesus Himself was ridiculed before He was glorified.

If you are facing opposition, it may be evidence that you are moving in the right direction. The enemy does not waste his energy on people who are going nowhere.

Illustration

An airplane faces the greatest resistance at takeoff. Once it rises above the clouds, the journey becomes smoother. Likewise, opposition often increases just before God elevates you.

2. Never Allow Other People's Opinions to Define You

The enemies called the Jews "feeble."

They saw weakness; God saw builders.

People may see your limitations, but God sees your possibilities. Men judge by appearance; God judges by purpose.

You may not have the education, money, connections, or experience others have, but God has never depended on human strength to accomplish His plans.

The same God who used a shepherd boy to defeat Goliath can use you to fulfill your assignment.

Your future is determined by God's calling, not by people's opinions.

3. Mockery Is Often a Sign That Progress Is Being Made

Tobiah said:

 "Even if a fox goes up on what they are building, it would break down their stone wall."

Notice that nobody mocks a wall that is not being built.

The enemies became uncomfortable because progress was visible.

When you begin to move forward spiritually, financially, academically, or ministerially, some people will criticize what they once ignored.

Do not stop because of criticism. Continue the work God has given you.

4. Turn Criticism Into Motivation

Nehemiah did not waste time arguing with Sanballat and Tobiah. Instead, he prayed and continued building.

Many destinies are delayed because people spend too much time responding to critics.

You do not have to answer every accusation. You do not have to defend every decision. You do not have to convince every doubter.

The greatest response to criticism is continued progress.

Illustration

A barking dog cannot stop a moving train. The train continues toward its destination because it is focused on the tracks ahead.

Likewise, stay focused on God's purpose.

5. God Specializes in Rebuilding Ruins

Sanballat mocked them for trying to restore stones from burned heaps of rubble.

What the enemy called rubbish, God called material.

The stones had been burned and broken, but they were still useful.

Perhaps your life has experienced failure, disappointment, rejection, or loss. Others may think your best days are behind you.

But God is a rebuilder.

°He rebuilds broken homes. °He restores broken ministries. 

°He renews broken dreams. °He revives broken hearts.

What looks like rubble in human eyes is raw material in God's hands.

Conclusion

The Jews were mocked, criticized, and ridiculed, yet they continued building. Eventually, the wall was completed.

Do not allow discouragement to stop what God has started in your life.

When people say, "You cannot do it," keep building. When resources seem insufficient, keep building. When progress appears slow, keep building. When critics laugh, keep building.

The God who gave you the vision will also give you the strength to finish it.

Altar Call

Perhaps you have become discouraged because of opposition, criticism, or repeated setbacks. Maybe you have abandoned a dream, a ministry, or a calling because others convinced you that you were not capable.

Today, God is calling you to rise again and rebuild.

Bring your fears, doubts, and disappointments to the Lord. Let Him renew your courage and restore your confidence.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being the God who rebuilds broken walls and restores ruined lives. Give us courage to continue when opposition arises. Help us not to be discouraged by criticism or mockery. Strengthen our hands for the work You have called us to do.

Turn every obstacle into an opportunity, every setback into a testimony, and every challenge into a stepping stone for greater victory.

May we remain faithful until the work You have begun in us is completed.

In Jesus' mighty name we pray...Amen.

-Kunle Solomon 

Ministering 

SheepGate evangelical Ministry. Join us on our WhatsApp page: https://chat.whatsapp.com/BsioVIQmwKW4jX6n6PcKGm?mode=gi_t 

Or call +2347051874707

Email: sheepgateevangelicalministry@gmail.com