Scripture
“When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became angry and was greatly incensed. He ridiculed the Jews, 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 they finish in a day? Can they bring the stones back to life from those heaps of rubble—burned as they are?” (Nehemiah 4:1-2)
Observation
Sanballat was sure opposed to the rebuilding of the wall. In further study, I found that he and two other regional governors – Tobiah and Geshem allowed past history and personal feelings of angst against the Jews that resulted in their opposing the rebuilding of the wall in Jerusalem. Thus, they proceeded in trying to intimidate Nehemiah and those building the wall with false reports, deceit through false prophets, and trying to turn the nobles and people against them. Sanballat also conjured up and cited all the reasons and concerns against the rebuilding of the wall, and adding ridicule.
Application
Yesterday, we had our Blessing and Ground-breaking of our Parking Structure project. It has been years of jumping through hoops to acquire our building permit. So often, it seemed as though we were fighting so many spiritual battles from the enemy, and worldly battles along the way. Yet, like Nehemiah, we kept our minds, hearts, and work focused on the Lord’s assignment for the parking structure. We did ALL that we had to do, whatever it took. And yesterday we blessed the project in the Lord Jesus’ name, and now will proceed. This witnessed to me to stay focused and perseverant on God’s assignments and call; especially when we feel like we’re battling the devil and the world to accomplish what is set before us. However, with our eyes, ears, and hearts set on Jesus; and our hands to the plow of then assignment, we will prevail.
Prayer
Dear Lord, THANK YOU for your guidance and covering in our perseverance to secure our building permit for the building project. Thank you for the life-lesson that when challenged, through you and with you we must and should keep our hearts and hands to the assignment, plowing forward and persevering to the victory in Christ.
