9/14/13 Nehemiah 6:5-9 God Strengthens When We Are Weak

5 Then, the fifth time, Sanballat sent his aide to me with the same message, and in his hand was an unsealed letter 6 in which was written:

“It is reported among the nations—and Geshem says it is true—that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and therefore you are building the wall. Moreover, according to these reports you are about to become their king 7 and have even appointed prophets to make this proclamation about you in Jerusalem: ‘There is a king in Judah!’ Now this report will get back to the king; so come, let us meet together.”

8 I sent him this reply: “Nothing like what you are saying is happening; you are just making it up out of your head.”

9 They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.”

But I prayed, “Now strengthen my hands.”

Thoughts: The enemies of God and the work, wanted to stop the work and frighten all the workers.  They thought fear of rumors and perhaps government or force would weaken their resolve- their "hands."  But Nehemiah had a greater resource in God.  God is the lifter of our heads and the strengthener of our hands.  He gives us courage when we have none of our own.  When we think we can't go on, or think that we cannot answer God's call upon our lives.  

Prayer: Strengthen us, O Lord.  Help us to not be afraid of the future or of any man.