“Sanballat was very angry when he learned that we were rebuilding the wall. He flew into a rage and mocked the Jews.” (Nehemiah 4:1 NLT)

 

In today’s devotion, we’re going to talk about words of encouragement that every believer needs to hear and take to heart:  Criticism doesn’t always mean you’re doing something wrong.

We return once again to the Old Testament story of Nehemiah. Nehemiah and his fellow Jews had just begun to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem when the criticism began. Nehemiah 4:1 explains, “Sanballat was very angry when he learned that we were rebuilding the wall. He flew into a rage and mocked the Jews” (NLT).

The next verse offers some telling details concerning the criticism Nehemiah and the other workers faced. Sanballat scoffed and said, “What does this bunch of poor, feeble Jews think they’re doing? Do they think they can build the wall in a single day by just offering a few sacrifices? Do they actually think they can make something of stones from a rubbish heap—and charred ones at that?” (Nehemiah 4:2 NLT).

You’ll notice more than a hint of anti-Semitism in Sanballat’s criticism. Even so, Nehemiah was determined to press on and do what God had called him to do.

It isn’t fun to be ridiculed, is it? It isn’t enjoyable to be laughed at. Look, for example, at the way Hollywood portrays Christians—the Hollywood that wants to set the moral standards for all of us to follow. They love to portray Christians as fools, buffoons, racists, misogynists . . . fill in the blank. In their minds, we Christians are everything that’s wrong with the world. And don’t get me started on the way they portray preachers. Some might call it a form of persecution.

Yet Jesus said, “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way” (Matthew 5:11–12 NLT).

Maybe you’re thinking, “Well, it’s not such a happy thing when you’re persecuted.” Yes, but understand it’s a confirmation that you’re a child of God. Just make sure that you’re persecuted for the right reason. Sometimes we’re persecuted for being mean, harsh, or some other thing. If you’re experiencing persecution, then make sure it’s for righteousness’ sake.

If so, press on. Endure the slings and arrows, as Nehemiah did. And as Noah did. And as Joseph did. And as Moses did. And as Elijah did. And as Paul did.

And as Jesus did.

Celebrate the fact that you’re in such good company. Celebrate the fact that your enemy sees you as dangerous enough to criticize.

Rest secure in the knowledge that no amount of criticism can stop God from accomplishing His work through you—if you stay faithful to Him.

 

Reflection question: What is the best way for you to deal with criticism and opposition in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship!

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The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."

 

All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie.

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&ldquo;Sanballat was very angry when he learned that we were rebuilding the wall. He flew into a rage and mocked the Jews.&rdquo; (Nehemiah 4:1 NLT)
&nbsp;
In today&rsquo;s devotion, we&rsquo;re going to talk about words of encouragement that every believer needs to hear and take to heart: &nbsp;Criticism doesn&rsquo;t always mean you&rsquo;re doing something wrong.
We return once again to the Old Testament story of Nehemiah. Nehemiah and his fellow Jews had just begun to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem when the criticism began. Nehemiah 4:1 explains, &ldquo;Sanballat was very angry when he learned that we were rebuilding the wall. He flew into a rage and mocked the Jews&rdquo; (NLT).
The next verse offers some telling details concerning the criticism Nehemiah and the other workers faced. Sanballat scoffed and said, &ldquo;What does this bunch of poor, feeble Jews think they&rsquo;re doing? Do they think they can build the wall in a single day by just offering a few sacrifices? Do they actually think they can make something of stones from a rubbish heap&mdash;and charred ones at that?&rdquo; (Nehemiah 4:2 NLT).
You&rsquo;ll notice more than a hint of anti-Semitism in Sanballat&rsquo;s criticism. Even so, Nehemiah was determined to press on and do what God had called him to do.
It isn&rsquo;t fun to be ridiculed, is it? It isn&rsquo;t enjoyable to be laughed at. Look, for example, at the way Hollywood portrays Christians&mdash;the Hollywood that wants to set the moral standards for all of us to follow. They love to portray Christians as fools, buffoons, racists, misogynists . . . fill in the blank. In their minds, we Christians are everything that&rsquo;s wrong with the world. And don&rsquo;t get me started on the way they portray preachers. Some might call it a form of persecution.
Yet Jesus said, &ldquo;God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way&rdquo; (Matthew 5:11&ndash;12 NLT).
Maybe you&rsquo;re thinking, &ldquo;Well, it&rsquo;s not such a happy thing when you&rsquo;re persecuted.&rdquo; Yes, but understand it&rsquo;s a confirmation that you&rsquo;re a child of God. Just make sure that you&rsquo;re persecuted for the right reason. Sometimes we&rsquo;re persecuted for being mean, harsh, or some other thing. If you&rsquo;re experiencing persecution, then make sure it&rsquo;s for righteousness&rsquo; sake.
If so, press on. Endure the slings and arrows, as Nehemiah did. And as Noah did. And as Joseph did. And as Moses did. And as Elijah did. And as Paul did.
And as Jesus did.
Celebrate the fact that you&rsquo;re in such good company. Celebrate the fact that your enemy sees you as dangerous enough to criticize.
Rest secure in the knowledge that no amount of criticism can stop God from accomplishing His work through you&mdash;if you stay faithful to Him.
&nbsp;
Reflection question: What is the best way for you to deal with criticism and opposition in your life?&nbsp;<a href="https://disciple.harvest.org/spaces/17592429/feed?utm_source=DD&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=HarvestDiscipleship">Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship!</a>
&mdash;
The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology.&nbsp;This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."
&nbsp;
All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie.
<a href="https://go.pddr.app/glpodcast">Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast</a>
<a href="https://harvest.org/harvest-partner/?utm_source=DD&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=HarvestPartners">Become a Harvest Partner</a>

If you want to be successful in the Christian life, you must have a mind full of God’s Word. Refresh your mind with it daily, right here. Each day, you'll receive a verse and commentary from Pastor Greg Laurie, who offers biblical insight through humor, personal stories, and cultural commentary. Start listening and hear what God has to say to you. 

*The audio production of this podcast utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."

All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie.

If you want to be successful in the Christian life, you must have a mind full of God&rsquo;s Word. Refresh your mind with it daily, right here. Each day, you'll receive a verse and commentary from&nbsp;<a href="https://harvest.org/about-greg-laurie/">Pastor Greg Laurie</a>, who offers biblical insight through humor, personal stories, and cultural commentary. Start listening and hear what God has to say to you.&nbsp;
*The audio production of this podcast utilizes Generative AI technology.&nbsp;This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie.

Greg Laurie provides commentary on the day's Bible verse.

Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions

No amount of criticism can stop God from accomplishing His will through you—if you stay faithful to Him.