Nehemiah 4:1 When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became angry and was greatly incensed. He ridiculed the Jews….
This should be a fairly discouraging chapter. The enemies are doing their best to discourage the people and stop their progress by playing mind games, which can be terribly effective. However, I finish this chapter with a sense of hope and purpose. The Jews know why they are doing what they are doing and for Whom they do it. If I walked away from this chapter with nothing else, that would be enough. But God….
Nehemiah 4:2 …and in the presence of his associates and the army of Samaria, he said, “What are those feeble Jews doing? Will they restore their wall? Will they offer sacrifices? Will the finish in a day? Can they bring the stones back to life from those heaps of rubble—burned as they are?”
God showed me another hope and purpose in this chapter. The Jews are halfway through building the wall. Much has been done, but there is still so very much left to do. “The strength of the laborers is giving out” (v10). I am also halfway through my labors, halfway through the school year. My strength is also giving out. But there is a rallying cry here, “Remember the LORD, who is great and awesome….” (v14). I am not alone. God is with me. This is not my work I do. I know for a fact God has me where He wants me. He will strengthen me. Thank You, Jesus.
Nehemiah 4:14 After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the…people, “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the LORD, who is great and awesome….”
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the reminder that You are with me, that You will fight for me, that this is Your kingdom work I do. Thank You for seeing my weariness and for covering me with the hope that can only come from You. Draw me closer. Amen.
Nehemiah 4:20 Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!
Have a blessed day.