When our enemies heard that it was known to us, and that God had frustrated their plan, then all of us returned to the wall, each one to his work. From that day on, half of my servants carried on the work while half of them held the spears, the shields, the bows and the breastplates; and the captains were behind the whole house of Judah.
Nehemiah 4:15-16
You were made to be an “overcomer,” so fight for the right things. Do you think that because God is on your side that life and work will always be smooth sailing? Or that opposition is only faced by those who don’t know God? Nehemiah had a God-ordained mission to rebuild the wall in Jerusalem, yet he would have to face enemies who would discourage his builders, threaten the lives of those helping, and more. If you’ve ever set out to build something significant in your life, you know what it’s like to be a “Nehemiah.” Nehemiah’s team had to multitask under terrible circumstances, yet they prevailed. What are you building, and what are you facing?
If the work you are doing didn’t require God’s help, it wouldn’t be big enough for you. Nehemiah wasn’t the only laborer called to the greatness of servanthood who would suffer hardship along the way. Joshua led Israel into the Promised Land with the power of God at his side, yet had to fight for every square inch of “Heaven on earth” that was promised to him and Israel. Even Jesus said that Christians would face persecution. If the road you are walking in your vocational calling didn’t require the miraculous, it wouldn’t be a miracle. Every struggle you are facing is leading to not only a breakthrough but a testimony. Consider making a list of all the struggles you face, whether they be outward circumstances or inward emotional struggles, and lay them before God. This is your future “victory list” God desires to help you walk through so you can break through. Your breakthroughs will make up “book one” someday in the Chronicles of Wall-Building for your life.
REFLECT TO CONNECT
- How can you help a “Nehemiah” build their wall? How can you become a Nehemiah?
- What are you building in your life that requires God’s help for it to succeed?
- Who is a “wall builder” you could go to for advice?
God Himself faces opposition and battles, yet He still builds daily with those willing to work alongside Him.
What wall does He want to build with you?
