Is anyone old enough to remember the game Red Rover? When I was a kid, we didn’t have phones so this was one of our options at recess.
In this particular game, there are 2 teams facing each other. The members of each team hold hands to form a type of human chain.
The first team yells for a member of the opposing team to come to their side, “Red Rover, Red Rover, let ______ come over.” If that person can break through the opposing chain, they get to go back to their own team along with one other person. If they don’t break through, they are forced to stay with the opposing team.
It’s all about the strength of the person “coming over” vs the strength of the opponent.
Years ago, my husband and I were involved in a situation where it seemed like we kept running into the opposing team and couldn’t break through. We felt completely defeated.
At the point of wanting to give up, my husband was praying and felt God say to him…. “If you quit, he (the opponent) will still be there but there will be one less of you…then what?”
When we face opposition, quitting is often our go-to response…but just because it is our first thought doesn’t make it the right one.
In the Old Testament, Nehemiah was heartbroken over the destruction of Jerusalem and felt the call to do something about it. Before he even started, he was met with opposition from people who didn’t like Israel and didn’t want to see their wall rebuilt.
The easy thing would have been for Nehemiah to go back to his day job but he doesn’t do that.
“So we built the wall…for the people had a mind to work….From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor. The officers posted themselves behind all the people of Judah… ” Nehemiah 4:6,16
Nehemiah continues with the plan, equips the people to build the wall and arms them to fight if needed. His approach may have changed but his focus stayed the same…build.
I don’t know what God has called you to do but facing opposition doesn’t change that call. And just as Nehemiah reminded the people, I want to remind you (and me) too:
Nehemiah 4:14 “…Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.”
The enemy will taunt you and at times you may have to fight…but if you do, remember you don’t ever fight alone. The One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
And the best part? When you break through the opposition, you may even get to help free someone else who had been caught.
But if you choose to quit, there will be one less of you. That means less bricks being laid for the wall…less light shining in the dark…less bringing others back home.
Stay focused and keep building. Your team needs you. ~Anu