Nehemiah 4:17 Those who were rebuilding the wall and those who carried burdens took their load with one hand doing the work and the other holding a weapon. (NASB)

Talk about tough work conditions! Nehemiah led a group of Israelites from exile back to Jerusalem. There they rebuilt the wall around the city. They faced stiff and sometimes violent opposition.

The truth is: anytime someone tries to do something good (especially Godly), opposition will arise. In fact, if you never have anyone resist or oppose you, it probably means you hadn’t done anything.

Opposition and yes, haters, can be expected. Jesus, Himself, said, “If the world hates yoy, keep in mind that it hated me first.” (See John 15:18). Do not weary of doing what is good or right. “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (See John 16:33)

If you have to work with one hand and carry a weapon in the other, at least let that weapon be the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.