Defending Yoursellf

 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)

 Can you imagine? People angry that someone wanted to give the land back to the Jews? People who opposed the goal of rebuilding the walls and temple in Jerusalem? It’s probably just as difficult to imagine that anyone might want to derail your goals. Oh, there might be nasty, jealous, evil people out there, but your loved ones? No, they will always support, encourage, and help you how ever they can. Right? I’m not planning to point any fingers. Some of my friends and family are better and some are worse, but if you read about people trying to change their lives, you’ll find that family and friends are some of the worst sources you can turn to for support, encouragement, and help. That’s why people join self-help groups.

When you want to make a change, you’re guaranteed to find yourself among people who will try to stop you. Your family, your friends, your neighbors, your coworkers, the people in your church, your society, the world, the devil, and you are all on the general list. They may be jealous, afraid of losing you, or losing control over you. They may have other reasons, but you changing is likely to stress them.

As you consider your goals for 2022, consider your support network. Each member of that network doesn’t need to know about all the goals. Some may be able to help you with one, but not another. Some will try to sabotage anything you do – without even realizing that they’re doing it. Talk to those you think will be able to help. If you can find even one person who can cheer you on toward one goal – a mutual goal, perhaps - you’ve found a treasure. Don’t expect them to make you their main focus. Talk also to those who seem to be working against you. Tell them what you want from them. You might get it.

But the key from this passage is that you’re likely to encounter opposition as you strive to reach your goals. If you can identify them, you’ll be better able to defend yourself against their attacks.