Read Nehemiah 4:7-23
The situation facing Nehemiah in this passage sounds volatile. It’s times like these that really test our faith. We saw how Nehemiah instructed everyone to be on guard for enemy attacks. Good works that glorify God can be targets for the evil one. We, too, need to be vigilant when we are involved in work that furthers the kingdom. The evil one is waiting to pounce and mess up our plans, too.
Nehemiah was not going to let the opposition interfere with the progress of their divine mission. Prayer was again Nehemiah’s go-to solution. He said in this reading, “But we prayed to our God and guarded the city day and night to protect ourselves.” Prayer was coupled with action. It wasn’t that Nehemiah didn’t think God would protect them, but that he wanted to be instrumental in that protection.
Rebuilding the wall was a huge undertaking. I wasn’t at all surprised to see that people were getting tired. Not only was the physical labor exhausting, but they also had the emotional toll of worrying about enemy attacks. Can you remember a time when you were physically and mentally exhausted? How did God restore you?
Nehemiah didn’t want the people to get discouraged. In fact, he reminds them of who is looking out for them. Nehemiah told them, “Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious.” Sometimes all we need to do is remember the Lord when we are feeling overwhelmed and weary. When we truly focus on the majesty of God, his creation, and all that he has done for us, it’s nearly impossible to not feel peace or joy knowing this same magnificent God loves us!
Construction on the wall continued despite the potential for interruption from the enemy. The people could have just taken their tools and gone home, too tired and worried about their safety. That wasn’t God’s plan. The Bible tells here how God had “frustrated” the plans of the enemy. Do you think the enemy actually realized God was behind their failed plans?
There has been a struggle for power and dominance since the beginning of time. We recall how Adam and Eve were enticed by evil to doubt God. Evil has always been there interfering and scheming to entice us away from God and his will for our lives.
We need to be on guard as well. Spending time in God’s word is a wonderful way to arm ourselves with the truth. The Bible shows us time and again that divine protection is an expression of God’s love and care for his people. We can find empowerment to align our faith and values with God’s desires for us so we can be on guard.
Let’s pray … Lord, thank you for all your promises to protect and provide for me. I do not need to fear the evil one’s schemes when I hold tightly to your truth. May I be watching for you to move in my life. I long for the day when Jesus will return and gather his people together. In the meantime, Lord, I want to share with others about your love and mercy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
