Nehemiah 4:1-9
Criticism is like the fuse on a stick of dynamite.
If not defused, there will be an explosion.
Nehemiah's response to criticism
1. PRAY (4-5)
Nehemiah's prayer reflected his commitment to letting God control the details of his life.
Anyone who wants to follow Christ will experience opposition. (II Timothy 3:12; Matthew 5:10)
When you are criticized, your first inclination is to react defensively, or offensively.
2. FOCUS (6)
Nehemiah didn't let criticism get him sidetracked.
Fuller- “the best thing to do is to trust the Lord and don't waste time answering charges.”
3. PREPARE (9,13,23)
Don't attack, just watch your back!
Be ready to make the apologies or give the explanations, but your defense against criticism shouldn't define
what you are all about.