4Then the peoples around them set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to go on building.
Some people just cannot stand the success of other people. When someone else is doing well, they will do everything they can to stop the success. Today, lawsuits have become the preferred method of attack. Often even the threat of a lawsuit stops progress. The people of Judah have returned from 70 years living in forced exile in their enemies’ land. They want to reestablish their worship of the LORD. Their lack of following the LORD is what led to their exile, so now they want to do it the right way. They must rebuild the Temple and Jerusalem itself. But when they were removed from the land over 70 years ago their conqueror put their own people in the land to work it and keep it safe. Now they are standing in the way of progress. For years they worked to discourage the workers on this large project. Are there things you know the LORD has called you to do, but you have gotten discouraged along the way? Other people, or even circumstances have taken the wind out of your sails. You had so much energy at the beginning, but now it seems as though you are all alone pushing the project. And lots of people are saying and doing things to discourage you. If God has called you to do something, there will be opposition. Nothing of real value comes without opposition. On the flip side, are you standing in the way of someone else’s dream or vision? Are you throwing up roadblocks simply because you don’t like their personality or the fact that they are doing something and you are not? Stop it!
The Arnold Journey 