¹Sanballat was very angry when he learned that we were rebuilding the wall. He flew into a rage and mocked the Jews, ²saying in front of his friends and the Samarian army officers, “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?”³Tobiah the Ammonite, who was standing beside him, remarked, “That stone wall would collapse if even a fox walked along the top of it!”

Nehemiah 4:1-3

A red fox is a small animal. Weighing between 10-12 pounds, the fox didn’t present much threat to those who were building the wall. Think about it, a fox wasn’t going to knock over much of anything. But the taunting and jeering – that was demoralizing.

This passage always amuses me. It is the equivalent of saying, “My dad is stronger than yours! Your dad would fall over if even a mosquito landed on his arm!” It’s a silly taunt that is meant to incite a reaction. Preferably one that causes the opponent to back off or quit.

That is the danger of the little foxes in my life. On their own, they are really powerless to harm. It is what I believe about them that makes all the difference.

If I allow the foxes to run about in my life with no acknowledgement of their presence, my morale suffers. When my morale goes down, I lose steam in life. My joy suffers; hope becomes a distant dream.

What must I do when the taunting becomes too much? Like Nehemiah, there is action to take to ensure the enemy is rendered ineffective. Notice what he did.

 ⁹But we prayed to our God and guarded the city day and night to protect ourselves. . . .¹⁴Then as I looked over the situation, I called together the nobles and the rest of the people and said to them, “Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!”¹⁵When our enemies heard that we knew of their plans and that God had frustrated them, we all returned to our work on the wall. 

Nehemiah 4:9-15

Nehemiah took a three-pronged approach I believe we can emulate. First, and foremost, the people prayed. When I am attacked by the enemy and the foxes are running wild, I fall to my knees. I cry out to my Father, acknowledging my need for his intervention.

Secondly, pointing others back to Jesus and his character is imperative. It is so easy to feel isolated, alone and defeated. When we band together, we are stronger. Endurance grows and blossoms in the light of encouragement.

Finally, we fight for one another. When we see someone struggling, we come to their side. No one is left alone or behind.

Where do you find yourself in this scenario? Are you the Nehemiah, equipped to make a plan and see it through? Are you falling prey to the accusing tactics of the enemy, desperate for some encouragement and assistance? Are you in a position to offer help to someone?

Wherever you are, take heart! God is in the business of frustating the plans of the wicked and protecting his children. Be still, take heart, and wait for the Lord.

¹⁷But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, {insert your name here}. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!”

2 Chronicles 20:17