Scripture:
“They were trying to intimidate us into quitting. They thought, ‘They’ll give up; they’ll never finish it.’
I prayed, ‘Give me strength.’
Then I met secretly with Shemaiah son of Delaiah, the son of Mehetabel, at his house. He said: ‘Let’s meet at the house of God, inside The Temple. Let’s find safety behind locked doors because they’re coming to kill you, Yes, coming by night to kill you.’
I said, ‘Why would a man like me run for cover? And why would a man like me use The Temple as a hideout? I won’t do it.’
I sensed that God hadn’t sent this man. The so-called prophecy he spoke to me was the work of Tobiah and Sanballat; they had hired him. He had been hired to scare me off—trick me—a layman, into desecrating The Temple and ruining my good reputation so they could accuse me.
‘O my God, don’t let Tobiah and Sanballat get by with all the mischief they’ve done. And the same goes for the prophetess Noadiah and the other prophets who have been trying to undermine my confidence.’
The wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of Elul. It had taken fifty-two days. When all our enemies heard the news and all the surrounding nations saw it, our enemies totally lost their nerve. They knew that God was behind this work.” Nehemiah 6:9-16 (MSG)
Perspective:
Nehemiah was in Jerusalem trying to rebuild the wall around the city. He had received support from King Artaxerxes to return to Jerusalem, but Tobiah and Sanballat were living in the surrounding area and not supportive of the rebuilding of the wall. They tried all different types of tactics to intimidate Nehemiah. Additionally, a false prophet tried to convince Nehemiah to fear for his life. Interestingly, Nehemiah assessed all of these situations, but his response was steadfast. He would not fear, for God was with him. He wouldn’t be intimidated by the amount of work or people opposing him. The people who tried to derail Nehemiah’s plans were not met by a strategy that was superior; they were met by a man who was so convinced of the assignment God had given him that he wouldn’t back down. The wall that had taken years to rebuild with no success was rebuilt in fifty-two days. It was impossible; it was unlikely, but God was helping to multiply the efforts and work of the people to accomplish a huge task. Rebuilding the wall would enable people to live in Jerusalem without fear of wild animals or enemy armies. It would provide protection, and their community would be rebuilt. Nehemiah knew that the end result was worth fighting for.
In the course of our lives, we can experience moments, seasons, or years of building toward an end goal. However, when God has called us to do something, He is the one that enables us to do it. Building anything is hard work. Yet, God can multiply the work of your hands instead of it requiring years to complete on your own. Like Nehemiah and the people rebuilding the wall, God’s call will require energy, work, and effort on our part. However, the rewards of obedience extend beyond you. It will impact everyone around you. The concept of building is not overly popular when we would prefer for everything to happen overnight. Even so, walking in obedience to God’s leading requires us to roll up our sleeves and embrace the season where He has placed us. When we are so convinced of the assignment God has given us, it gives us new resolve whether the task seems great or small. As you look around you, what has God called you to do? Most likely, God is quickening your spirit to the work that needs to be done, and He is calling you to participate in building.
Scripture taken from THE MESSAGE. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.
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About Hona Amer
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