“But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the people of Ashdod heard that the repairs to Jerusalem’s walls had gone
ahead and that the gaps were being closed, they were very angry. They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it. But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.”
Nehemiah 4:7-9
Recently we had opportunities to visiting with some of our old friends. Our time together was so good, and in the courses of our conversations we asked, “What about so-and-so, have you heard from them?”
We were saddened to hear that some were no longer walking in the faith, while others had excelled.
When Nehemiah and his people began to work on the wall diligently, the progress became evident. Soon their enemies began to come around, trying sow discord, making threats, and spreading lies. They tried everything they knew to stop the building up of the wall around Jerusalem, God’s dwelling place., trying to bring fear, discouragement, offense, and anxiety among God’s people.
But Nehemiah and the people prayed and persisted in the building, not just finishing the wall with excellence, but in only 52 days!
In our own lives, this is also how the accuser of the brethren works. The building of the wall is a metaphor for the pursuit of a godly life, as we wield the sword of the spirit-God’s Word- and the shield of faith.
Like Nehemiah we must reject the lies of the enemy, and pursue relationship with our Abba.
Courage, joy, love, and the fruits of the spirit come from the Lord as we trust Him, feed on His word and seek Him with all our hearts.
Beloved, keep your eyes fixed on Him.
Listen to the “Kol Dodi”, the voice of the Beloved, the Bridegroom.
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