Objections To Well-Being by Kirk Hunt
When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard of it, they were deeply disturbed that a man had come to seek the well-being of the children of Israel.
Nehemiah left his high-profile, well-paid position next to King Artaxerxes. He journeyed to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls. Restoring the walls of the city would increase the safety and wealth of the people of Israel in general, and the residents of Jerusalem in particular. Sanballat and Tobiah objected to improving the security or income of the folk.
Think about the people who fight against an effort to improve the lives of others. Almost without exception, they profit from poverty or hardship. The suffering and despair of others benefits them.
Drug pushers, pimps, slum lords and other villains make life worse for others, and reap profits or benefits for their efforts. Sanballat and Tobiah did not want a change to the circumstances in Jerusalem. The situation was good for them, despite the tears and suffering of everyone else.
There are always men and women who want things to stay the way they are. They fear losing clout or prestige. Their profits may lessen. And they will fight to keep wrongdoing and oppression right where it is.
Perhaps you have made an effort to fix an injustice or inequity. Do not let blowback or opposition stop you. Modern-day Sanballats and Tobiahs will object to you improving the lives of the people you serve. Ignore their resistance. Listen to God and make the lives of others better.
Think: Some will oppose your efforts to improve the lives of others.
Pray: “Lord, help me to help others, despite those who object.”
Copyright © June 2025, Kirk Hunt
This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.