When I told Nat yesterday that I really like the book of Nehemiah she was surprised! But it's true, I really do. Today's readings take place from 3:15-5:13. In this section the work of Nehemiah with the people to rebuild the wall is mocked severely. They were teased and mocked because the task was so big, and overwhelming. "That stone wall would collapse if even a fox walked along the top of it!" they said. I mention this only because it frames the enormity of the task. Obviously it is a pretty huge undertaking, enough so that it gives them something to mock and tease about. This helps make the point of verse 6 all the sweeter. "At last the wall was completed to half its height around the entire city, for the people had worked with enthusiasm." I love that. Isn't it true in general that when you work with enthusiasm and don't get side tracked by the detractors of whatever the task at hand may be much can be accomplished! Attitude is everything. (well at least it's a ton!)
And when progress is continued and successful the threats increase in number and severity. But that doesn't stop the progress either. I love verse 9. It may well be one of the most educational verses I have come across in all of scripture. "But we prayed to our God and guarded the city day and night to protect ourselves" It is such a perfect picture of the partnership between prayer and action. God uses His people. Pray AND Do. I think Nehemiah's trust in God to protect them is not in any way diminished by the plan of action he sets in place. That is how I have seen God work in my life. Pray and an idea comes. Pray and a plan of action materializes. Pray and regain your strength. Of course God can work in miraculous ways too, and often we see the picture of that in scripture. I find this section of Nehemiah to be a much closer representation of how God utilizes prayer in my life.
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