In our society that see’s dead beat dad’s, husbands that run away, fathers that are on the run because it is easier, you don’t have to work as hard to run away, I want to encourage the dad’s who have stuck it out, who are standing up for their families, even though they may be discouraged at times.

NEHEMIAH 4:1-6                              OPPOSITION THROUGH RIDICULE

1.  How often does the world try to put us down, mock us, as we try to fortify the walls around our children, our families?

A.  Pray for them - as a husband and a wife.

NEHEMIAH 4:7-9                              OPPOSITION THROUGH THREAT OF ATTACK

2.  As soon as the enemy see’s good things happening, they are ready to come and cause confusion.

A.  There are no absolute truths.

B.  It’s your body and you have the right to do whatever you want to it.

C.  You don’t have to listen to your parents and their old fashion beliefs - enter into the age of nothingness!

D.  Again - pray for them and be alert, watch and see the enemy, what it is trying to do to your family and then stop them, don’t let them break through.  Don’t let them walk in and take your children away!

NEHEMIAH 4:10-13                              OPPOSITION THROUGH DISCOURAGEMENT

3.  When you look at the work that is before you, it is easy to become overwhelmed.

A.  Look at the rubbish the world is throwing at your children - everyone is doing it, watching it, buying it, wearing it, drinking it, smoking it, using it, and-so-on.

B.  There is so much work and the enemy seems so strong.

C.  The solution is to put yourself at the opening of your house, don’t let the enemy get in to destroy your family. That means you have to be there, you have to be part of the family, and you have to be alert to the things that are happening around you.

NEHEMIAH 4:14                                       DO NOT BE AFRAID

4.  The battle cry -

A.  Fight for your families men.  You wives, your children.  Don’t give up! Don’t be afraid.  Is God greater than the enemy?  Of course He is and His desire is to heal families, heal relationships, strengthen the family.  Is that what you are fighting for.

NEHEMIAH 4:15-22                                    THE RESULTS

5.  Work together and see the awesome things that God can do.  In Nehemiah 6:15-19, we read

“So the wall was finished on the twentyfifth day of Elul, in fiftytwo days.  And it happened, when all our enemies heard of it, and all the nations around us saw these things, that they were very disheartened in their own eyes; for they perceived that this work was done by our God.  Also in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came to them.  For many in Judah were pledged to him, because he was the soninlaw of Shechaniah the son of Arah, and his son Jehohanan had married the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah.  Also they reported his good deeds before me, and reported my words to him. Tobiah sent letters to frighten me.”

B.  Notice first of all an impossible task was completed - the walls went up in only 52 days!  It looks like our parking lot is going to take longer to fix!

C.  Secondly, the enemies, upon hearing and seeing the work of God in these families lives, were discouraged and disheartened.  It is hared to fight against God and win!