Intimidation

I went to the house of Shemaiah son of Delaiah, son of Mehetabel, who was restricted to his house. He said:
"Let us meet at the house of God inside the temple.
Let us shut the temple doors because they are coming to kill you.
They are coming to kill you tonight."
But I said, " Should a man like me run away? How can I enter the temple and live? I will not go."
I realised that God had not sent him, because of the prophesy he spoke against me. Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. He was hired, so that I would be intimidated, do as he suggested, sin, and get a bad reputation, in order that they could discredit me.
My God, remember Tobiha and Sanballat for what they have done, and also Noadiah the prophetess and the other prophets who wanted to intimidate me. Nehemiah 6:10-14

How sad when God's people believe lies about you, are not discerning and attempt to hinder you. Nehemiah's life would be in danger by going into the temple and he knew that.

The very nature of the deception smelt like what he was already dealing with from Sanballat and Tobiah.

Nehemiah was not one to run away. God had protected him thus far and he had no reason to run. So, wisely he decided to stay.

I once made a man furious because I told him I didn't want to work for him any more. He asked to meet and proceeded to attack my integrity, telling me that 'church leaders' were surprised by my behaviour. As I did not know who were the 'church leaders' I could not defend myself. Back then, to have 'church leaders' think ill of me upset me. Not any more. This man was a nasty piece of work and I had to trust The Lord. He was obviously a smooth operator as I heard a prophesy over him by a pastor and it glowed. I knew a different story. Anyway all prophesy is conditional.

Some years later I discovered that this man had lost his wife and daughter, his behaviour had destroyed their relationship.

At the time the fact that this man seemed to have friends on the inside was intimidating but I had to trust The Lord. All things come out in the wash, all things. Amen!

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