“Then the people of the land discouraged the people of Judah and made them afraid to build.” – Ezra 4:4
If you stop to think about it, this is a profoundly sad statement. God had moved the spirit of the mightiest king on earth to send the Jewish exiles home to Israel to rebuild the temple. God had overseen their safe travel back and provided for the work. Nonetheless, when the locals got upset, the people of God became afraid to do what God had commanded and provided for them to do. They forgot everything God was doing in their midst and focused on the opposition in front of them. Fear defeated faith.
Sad as this is, this isn’t an isolated incident in the history of God’s people. Nor is it merely a relic of the past. When God commands us to act, it’s still normal for there to be opposition. In fact, if there were no opposition, we should probably make sure we’re actually in God’s will!
That said, when the opposition comes (and it will), how will you react as a follower of Christ? Will you live in fear? Will you be discouraged from doing what God has called you to do? No!
We must not let the discouragement of friends, family, neighbors, opponents, or strangers keep us from doing the work God has prepared for us. We must be diligent in sharing the Gospel, ministering to those in need, and advancing God’s Kingdom here on earth. Don’t let people discourage you from actively following Jesus every single day!