The book of Nehemiah is just one of many fascinating Bible accounts and I am grateful that my daily reading app frequently takes me to passages I have not read for some time. Chapter 2 has two interesting statements separated by a few verses. Verse 2 “I was very much afraid” and then verse 4, “So I prayed to the God of heaven”. What an encouragement for us today. However, my reading from that book was from chapter 4 recording the opposition that was faced when rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. It was the amazing statement in verse 21, So we continued the work with half the men holding spears, from the first light of dawn till the stars came out!”
I am sure there are farmers and parents, to name only two groups, that know something of long days and possibly disturbed nights. In various parts of the world, following acts of persecution and war, there may be many involved in similar rebuilding efforts. But the challenge for me was that, as a Christian, the whole of my waking life should be serving God. As in Nehemiah 4, I need to be prepared for unwanted attacks and with divine help be equipped to not only be ready to defend but also continue to work, Psalm 121 reminds us that the God who “watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep”. This is our God too!
PRAYER: We thank you for your constant watch over us but pray that we may be willing to do what is necessary as well. AMEN