Today’s Through the Bible Reading: Nehemiah 5:1-7:3

“…But I prayed, ‘Now strengthen my hands.’” Nehemiah 6:9 NIV

Adversity and opposition follow close on the heels of opportunity and vision. That’s precisely what we find in today’s passage. Remember, 1 Corinthians 10:11 tells us that all the things that happened to the Old Testament people are written to teach you and me. So as we see Nehemiah and his men encountering adversity in re-building the walls of the Holy City, we know there’s a lesson for you and for me.

Nehemiah 6 sets the stage by describing some good old-fashioned bullies simply trying to scare those committed to answering God’s call.

“For all of them were trying to frighten us, thinking, ‘They will become discouraged with the work and it will not be done.’ But now, O God, strengthen my hands.” Nehemiah 6:9 NIV

Nehemiah, however, did not cower. In his response we see what the Lord wants to teach you and me. Nehemiah did three things that changed the course of history: he took his care to the Lord in prayer, he took up a sword in one hand, and he took to the work with the other. And that, my friend, is a recipe for success! Nehemiah had a three-step strategy that gave him the confidence to carry on in the face of adversity. And more important, he inspired God’s people to fulfill their ministry despite the stress and the threats.

Like Nehemiah, in Jesus, God has made us builders- for we are His living stones, building up a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5). Our adversary constantly tries to bully us into failing at what Christ has called us to  (Rev. 12:10). But Jesus has  called us to do exactly what we see Nehemiah do: take our cares to Him in prayer (1 Thess. 5:17); take up the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Eph. 6:17); and take up the tools He provides to do what He’s called us to do (2 Tim. 3:17)!

by Sharon Kaselonis / All rights reserved ©