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We started playing a card game this summer—it’s called Swoop. Tens and jokers are wild, and the goal is to be the first one to get rid of all your cards. Sounds simple enough, right? But there’s a catch: if someone goes out while you’re still holding wild cards, those jokers and tens will cost you 50 points each.

Now, I love the game—but there’s one problem: my husband. Michael will have a hand full of cards one minute and be out the next. No warning. No mercy. He’s sneaky and subtle that way. I’ll be sitting there thinking I’ve got time—holding two or three wild cards—and just like that, boom. He’s out, and I’m left taking the hit.

That’s exactly how the enemy works. He’s not always loud or obvious. More often, he’s subtle. Calculated. Unassuming. He waits for just the right moment to swoop in—right under the radar—and before we realize it, the damage is done. Unless we stand up against him.

That’s what we see in Nehemiah chapter 6. The enemy used distraction, lies, fear, and pressure—anything to pull Nehemiah away from his calling. But Nehemiah didn’t fall for it. He stood his ground. He saw the schemes for what they were and refused to come down from the work God had given him to do.

Lysa TerKeurst once wrote, “The devil is vicious, but he’s not victorious. And, my friend, you have everything you need to defeat him.” That’s the message running through this chapter—not just that the enemy is relentless, but that God is greater. And He never sends us into a battle unarmed.

As we read through chapter 6, we can see four specific ways the enemy tried to knock Nehemiah off course. Let’s take a closer look at each one—and how God has equipped us to stand strong.

1. Deception

Sanballat invited Nehemiah to meet—pretending it was peaceful, but planning harm (v. 2). The enemy still uses subtle distractions that look like good opportunities.

Our Defense: Truth

“Stand firm… with the belt of truth buckled around your waist.” —Ephesians 6:14
Truth helps us recognize deception and stay focused on God’s call.

2. Slander and False Accusations

An open letter accused Nehemiah of rebellion (v. 6). The enemy still twists truth and spreads lies to discourage and divide.

Our Defense: Righteousness

“With the breastplate of righteousness in place.” —Ephesians 6:14

Righteousness protects our hearts and reminds us we answer to God, not man.

3. Fear and Manipulation

A false prophet told Nehemiah to hide in the temple (v. 10). It sounded spiritual but was meant to trap him.

Our Defense: Faith

“Take up the shield of faith…” —Ephesians 6:16

Faith helps us stand firm when fear tries to shake us.

4. Ongoing Intimidation

Tobiah kept sending letters to pressure Nehemiah (v. 19). The enemy often wears us down little by little.

Our Defense: Peace

“Feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” —Ephesians 6:15
Peace steadies us when the pressure doesn’t let up.

This Week’s Printable

Here is this week’s printable. Click the image to view and print a higher resolution.