Kudo’s to Bill for defending the TBF ministry. I want to encourage you, even though we are all disappointed and dismayed by one man’s innuendos and rumors. But we are called to be affiliated with Christ, following His commands under the Spirit’s leading and power. We must keep on, with unrelenting fervor to share the gospel, teaching all to follow Jesus, discipling as many as possible to become disciple makers. The apostle Paul warns us for those who may distract the gospel.
God has given us warnings throughout Scripture that God’s work will be opposed. I’m reminded of Nehemiah’s leadership in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. He was opposed by many, including Sanballat and Tobia. Nehemiah's courage to keep working amid his critics emphasize was built on his call from God to do the work. (Nehemiah 4) His determination stemmed from his vision, faith, and practical strategy, but a hope and love for God.
This is from Warren Wiersbe’s commentary:
• “Focus on the Divine Call: Nehemiah was a "person with vision who [saw] possibilities, not problems," and had faith that God could use him. This clear sense of being called by God to finish the job provided the determination to ignore critics who questioned his motives, ability, and authority.
• A Balance of Prayer and Action: Nehemiah consistently met opposition with dependence on prayer, but he immediately coupled his prayer with wise, practical action. When his enemies ridiculed the work and plotted attack, Nehemiah "prayed to our God and set a guard against them day and night" (Nehemiah 4:9). Wiersbe often points out this balance between faith and works.
• Refusal to Be Distracted: Nehemiah's critics used various tactics—ridicule, threats of violence, and later, subtle attempts to lure him away from the wall for a "conference." Nehemiah's famous response, "I am doing a great work and cannot come down," demonstrates a refusal to let the enemy's schemes distract him from his main mission. Wiersbe emphasizes that this focus is key to overcoming opposition.
• Encouraging Others: True courage in leadership is not only personal but also communal. Wiersbe notes that Nehemiah was a leader who knew how to encourage others to serve the Lord, making sure the people were armed and motivated to work together as "workers and warriors" (Nehemiah 4).”
Nehemiah's courage was not merely an inner feeling but a God-given determination expressed through prayerful confidence and practical perseverance in the face of all opposition.
Let’s be even more united with a passion for discipleship.
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