The book of Nehemiah teaches us how much we can accomplish when we align ourselves with the will and plan of God.
Nehemiah prayed and fand fasted to God for four months. Then he petitioned the King to return to his home and reinforce Jerusalem’s city walls. In Jerusalem he assessed the damage and, despite opposition, led his people in rebuilding the wall and succeeded.
Nehemiah chapter 4 recounts how the Jews had to militarize the building of the wall.
Nehemiah and his followers do what seems to be impossible because they were doing what God had called them to do. But you don’t have to rebuild a wall to do the will of God.
Vs. 14: Nehemiah Speaks
Nehemiah could have:
- taken no action and been spiritual about it. “We’re trusting in the Lord. We will pray about it and believe the Lord will deliver us somehow.”
- panicked and started thinking it was his job alone to defend against the attack,
- doubted God.
Instead, he did the practical things God would have him do. Nehemiah commanded them to bring out their armor and to get ready to fight with every resource they had.
Instead, he did the practical things God would have him do. Nehemiah commanded them to bring out their armor and to get ready to fight with every resource they had.
The best way to dispel fear is to remember the Lord, who alone is to be feared. (Deuteronomy 20:3, 4; 31:6; Psalm 56:3, 4) 1
Nehemiah reminded them what they were fighting for. “Fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses.” Wouldn’t you fight most effectively when you keep in mind how much there is to lose?
Vs. 15: The Enemies Shrink Back
Defending against the attack was not a victory; the people of God would not be at peace and would not live in security until the wall was rebuilt. Getting on with the work was the victory.
The walls were protection and they were also an important physical symbol of the establishment of the Jews as a people. The holy city became a unifying force as families were chosen by lot to come live in it (Nehemiah 11:1–2).
The Eternal Wall represents the strength of God. It represents the belief that He is alive, listening, and able to respond. Nehemiah and his team faced significant opposition yet, were able to rebuild the city walls in just 52 days.
When we are under spiritual attack sometimes feel that just enduring the attack is the victory. But the attack often comes to prevent your progress and work for the LORD. Victory is enduring the attack and continuing the progress and work for the LORD.
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In conclusion, consider what the Daily Bread email message sent on 4/21/2023 says,
Nehemiah 4:14, 15 – When I saw their fear, I rose and spoke to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people: “Do not be afraid of them; remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives and your houses.”
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.
You should pray like it all depends on God, and at the same time, work like it all depends on you
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