Opposition to Change

"When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard about this, they were very much disturbed that someone had come to promote the welfare of the Israelites" (Nehemiah 2:10).

Change is a frightening concept. Change upsets the proverbial apple cart. Think about it, we are naturally creatures of habit, we like things remaining the same way, even if it is not the most efficient or effective way of doing things. This is one of the reasons why people can remain in destructive relationships or not make decisions to move way harmful circumstances, because they have become accustomed to the situation. For many change is a very difficult concept.

Sanballat and Tobiah represent opposition to change. They were profiting from the demise of the City of Jerusalem and the hardship of the Hebrew people. They idea of security was built around the Hebrews misfortune.

Perhaps that is why when real change is offered socially that there is much opposition because people are secure in the status quo and profiting in some way. Opposition to change always look at the status quo as the known variable that provides a sense of security and safety; while inducing fear around change which is the unknown.

Notice at the outset of Nehemiah's project that opposition was immediate. One should never be discouraged or disheartened about opposition,it is just an innate part of the process of change. The Laws of Physics shares whenever there is movement, there is always friction. Our spiritual movement always produces friction and creates opposition to change.

Nehemiah could not allow this opposition to stop him. We so often stop and began to make rationalizations about our lives. Nehemiah had to press through the opposition of not only Sanballat and Tobiah, but also the proclivity within himself to resist change.

Keep moving!

Living with Faith and Power and Creating a Phenomenal Life!

Bishop Keith Russell Lee
Hoffman Estates, IL and Los Angeles, CA

Spiritual Prayer Treatment

Father, I continue to move forward in spite
of the opposition. Knowing that I am on a
mission from God!
In the Name of Jesus and Through His Power!
Amen! And So It Is!