Nehemiah 4, Hebrews 10:23, Isaiah 41:10

What does it mean to have faith in the midst of adversity? For the Jews rebuilding the wall, it meant hearing and knowing the schemes of their enemies while choosing to obey God and move forward. Physically, they couldn’t do it on their own. They were (as mentioned in V1-3) feeble and they did have a lot working against them. Although, God allowed them the mind and strength to continue the work. 

But there is a crucial point to this faith - it was not faith in their own agenda or skills or plan. It was not faith in their abilities but fully trusting in who God was and what He had promised of them from the beginning. Notice Nehmeiah’s posture to the words and discouragement coming from around him. He responds by turning to God and asking for wisdom and protection. Nehemiah knew that he could not overcome the words or actions of enemies on his own, he needed the power of God to reveal to them their sin (V4). God meets them where they are at and gives them a mind to work. 

As they continued to build - much faster than anyone anticipated - their enemies' words were still coming at them. But their hope and faith was in something that could not be shaken and that helped them endure the long days of work and nights of being on guard. 

How do you respond when faced with adversity? Are you inclined to respond with the same words being thrown at you? Are you led to gossip? Or do you feel a deep conviction to pray? I think we would all like to think we are quick to pray in adversity but if I'm being honest, I just want to fix it on my own. 

See where God wants to refine the parts of you who want to keep moving forward without him or his guidance. Rely on the truth that God is in every situation and circumstance. He is worthy of praise and joy because of this truth.