Monday, September 2, 2013

9/3/13- Nehemiah 4:13-15 On the edge of battle

13 Therefore I stationed some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places, posting them by families, with their swords, spears and bows. 14 After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.”
15 When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to our own work. (Nehemiah 4:13-15)

Thoughts: It is hard enough to try to do something special for God.  It is extra hard when there is open opposition to the work.  Nehemiah did not ignore the challenge.  He did not just spiritualize the situation- saying that God alone would handle it.  He used his head and stood at the wall.  Being ready was a deterrent from war.  In the end there was no battle, but it slowed the work down to work with one eye toward the enemies.  What our passage doesn't say is that this opposition may have fueled the awareness that the wall was very much needed.
It has been my experience that even the best thing you may do will be opposed.  it usually is opposed by those who are comfortable with the status quo and those who feel that some of their power or status may be taken away by the good work done.  

Prayer: When opposition comes Lord, fill me with grace to persevere and be strong for you.  

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