“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.’” Nehemiah 6:9
Nehemiah was called to an important work for the people of Israel. As the construction foreman of the “Wall Rebuilding Project” in Jerusalem, the security of Israel’s capital city depended on his leadership…or at least that is how he felt. Can you imagine the pressure, the anxiety, and the fear Nehemiah must have battled?
Not only was the job itself hard, but Nehemiah also had outside forces trying to distract him from finishing the work God had called him to do. These people pressed in hard to distract and discourage Nehemiah. They sought to wear him out, both physically and mentally. It seemed as if all the odds were against the completion of his task…and yet Nehemiah pressed on.
How did he manage to persevere and not lose heart? How did he withstand the distractions and discouragement day in and day out? What did he do with the fear, doubt, and worry he surely felt? How did he keep from compromising what he knew God had called and prepared him to do? Nehemiah 6:9 gives us a glimpse of what, or Who, kept Nehemiah going.
When he was weary and nearing the breaking point, how did he respond? He didn’t quit. He didn’t retaliate. He didn’t call a meeting or make a plan. He didn’t throw a pity party or pitch a fit. He didn’t even get angry at or question God. Instead, he prayed, begging for God’s strength to work through his hands.
Nehemiah understood that he was incapable of completing the wall around Jerusalem. He recognized that he could not lead the people on his own. He knew where his help came from, and he trusted that God would complete the work through him according to His will.
Each of us has a part of God’s Kingdom plan. There will be distractions, disappointments, and opposition. But like Nehemiah, we can call on the strength of the Lord to work through us. Our help comes from Him. And He is our only hope of true success.
Jesus Christ faced the greatest of all opposition when He poured out His blood for our sins. He is the greatest example of perseverance, faith, and strength that has ever lived. Remember today that He is for you!
Dear Father, please give me Your strength to complete the work You have given me today. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Topics: God's Kingdom
