Nehemiah 4

ScriptureNehemiah 4:4-6⁴ Hear us, our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads. Give them over as plunder in a land of captivity. ⁵ Do not cover up their guilt or blot out their sins from your sight, for they have thrown insults in the face of^[b] the builders.⁶ So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart.Observation

The Jews were rebuilding a wall around Jerusalem.  In Chapter 1, Nehemiah learns that during the exile of the Jewish remnant, the “wall of Jerusalem [was] broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire” (v. 3).  He prays to God – asking for forgiveness and asking for favor from the king.  He visits the king and expresses the sadness in his heart – asking if he can go to the land of his ancestors and help rebuild the wall (Neh. 2:1-4); the king grants his request (because of God’s hand).  Chapter 3 shares the details of how everyone came together to rebuild it.

Yet, often when God’s work is being done, there is attack and ridicule from the enemy.

  In this case, the enemies of the Jews include Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs and the Ammonites.  When Sanballat hears of the rebuilding, he gets angry and begins mocking them.  Tobiah the Ammonite joins him in the mockery.  The Jews, knowing this, cry out to God.

UnderstandingSeek God first.The rebuilding of the wall began with Nehemiah’s cry to God.  He was saddened by what he learned; but he didn’t wallow in the sadness, he sought God.  In doing so, Nehemiah felt that God had planted in his heart the desire to help rebuild the wall. When the enemy comes, do not get distracted, do not give up – seek Him and continue to carry out what He’s called you to do.When Nehemiah and the Jews were ridiculed for rebuilding the wall, they again sought God.  They did not turn to revenge; they did not give up.  They sought God, asked Him to deal with those that were coming against them…and then they got right back to work.We are called to do the same.

Galatians 6:9 (NLT)

⁹ So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.Life ApplicationGod, I’m so grateful to be called your child.  And thankful that you love me and seek relationship with me.  Thank you for the desires that you have placed in my heart and the ways in which you have equipped me, prepared me and called me to carry them out.  As I seek to be centered in your will, please give me renewed passion for these desires and help me remain steadfast, regardless of the enemy’s attempts to distract or dishearten me.  May I seek you and trust you throughout and, as a result, may your will be done.In your name we pray, Amen.To check out the discussion or to join in click here.