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Discerning the Voices That Slow Your Build
Lesson Description: Rise and Build — Discerning the Voices That Slow Your Build
In this powerful session, we step into the story of Nehemiah and uncover one of Scripture’s most relevant blueprints for the modern woman who is rebuilding her life, her business, her faith, or her identity. As Nehemiah rose to rebuild Jerusalem’s broken walls, three oppositional voices showed up on assignment—Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem. Their tactics are ancient, but their patterns are alive and well today.
We unpack the meaning of their names, their strategies, and how their spirits still try to infiltrate a busy girl’s build.
Sanballat — The Spirit of Intimidation
His name carries the idea “enemy in secret” or “bramble-bush.” He represents the pressure that rises the moment you choose progress—the intimidation, the subtle fear, the mocking voice that tries to convince you you’re not qualified to build what God placed in your heart.
He shows up as self-doubt, fear of visibility, criticism, or the whisper that says, “Who do you think you are?”Tobiah — The Spirit of Familiar Access
His name means “God is good,” which makes his behavior even more striking. He wasn’t an outward enemy—he had relationships inside the city. Tobiah represents opposition that comes through familiar places: old habits, old voices, old loyalties, and even people who smile in your face but sabotage your momentum.
This spirit attacks through distraction, divided focus, guilt, or obligations that pull you away from your assignment.
This is the one that tries to convince you that pleasing others is more important than obedience.Geshem — The Spirit of Disruption & False Narrative
His name is connected to “rainstorm,” and his strategy in Scripture was to stir things up with lies—accusations, misinterpretation, and false reports.
Geshem represents the storms that rise not because you’re doing wrong—but because you’re doing right. He brings confusion, chaos, and false narratives designed to pull you out of alignment and tempt you to defend yourself instead of build.
Why This Matters for Your Life Right Now
These three forces show up whenever a woman decides to build. Whether you’re rebuilding confidence after a hard season, restructuring your business, organizing your home, or stepping into a God-given assignment, you will meet versions of these voices.
But here is the good news: Nehemiah never stopped building.
He discerned the tactic, refused the distraction, and stayed on the wall.In this lesson, we’ll walk through:
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How to recognize each of these voices in your daily life
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How to disarm them with clarity, strategy, and prayer
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How to stay on your wall when intimidation, guilt, or confusion try to pull you down
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Practical steps to fortify your build so you rise and complete what God assigned to you
By the end, you’ll be able to say what Nehemiah said with confidence:
“I am doing a great work, and I cannot come down.”This lesson is your reminder that rising and building is holy work.
And busy girl—you’re built for it.Click to Listen to the teaching video
have you seen this happen in your life? If so, how has it affected you and what have you learned?
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4 Replies
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Omgoodness this is so perfect for me right now. Especially with where I am at in my journey. It was so meant for me to see this today! I never even thought to look up the meaning to these names! This is powerful and impactful! Just what I needed while laying here recovering!
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I know right .. when I first studied it … it was so profound. For me Tobiah was the one that got me. It affects us so much in our communities of faith. When you get a chance take a listen to the video I expounded a little more on the names and how they effect us.
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Wow! I love this! I am going to watch and listen to the video…
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