Boxing legend Muhammad Ali used several ring tactics to defeat his opponents; one tactic was taunting. In his fight with George Foreman in 1974, Ali taunted Foreman, “Hit harder! Show me something, George. That don’t hurt. I thought you were supposed to be bad.” Fuming, Foreman punched away furiously, wasting his energy and weakening his confidence.
It’s an old tactic. By referring to Nehemiah’s efforts at rebuilding the broken wall of Jerusalem as nothing more than a fox’s playground (Neh. 4:3), Tobiah intended to weaken the workers with poisonous words of discouragement. Goliath tried it on David by despising the boy’s simple weapons of a sling and stones (1 Sam. 17:41-44).
A discouraging remark can be a deadly weapon. Nehemiah refused to surrender to Tobiah’s discouragements, just as David rejected Goliath’s diabolical teasing. Focusing on The Lord and His help rather than on their discouraging situations, David and Nehemiah both achieved victory.
Taunting can come from anybody, including those who are close to us. Responding to them negatively only saps our energy. But the Lord encourages us through His promises: He will never forsake us (Ps. 9:10; Heb. 13:5), and He invites us to rely on His help (Heb. 4:16). – Daily Bread – Lawrence Darmani.
Like a Sheperd, I will feed you. I will gather you with care. I will lead you and hold you close to my heart.
Advice:
Do You Encounter a Deadly Weapon? Trust in the Lord! If You are in a Tunnel of Discouragement, Keep Walking toward the Light.
INSIGHT: Despite the taunting that the Israelites faced from all sides when rebuilding the walls and city of Jerusalem, they had courage and confidence in the Lord. They had returned to Jerusalem just as the Lord had promised through the prophet Jeremiah (Jer. 29:10).
Prayer:
Lord, it’s easy to let discouragement sap my energy and joy. Please help me to reject all kinds of discouragement in my life and to trust in You for comfort and strength.
