This chapter describes multiple attempts by Judah’s enemies to prevent Nehemiah from finishing the work. The plans all fail, Nehemiah perseveres, and the wall is completed.
“So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days. And when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem, for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God.” (v15-16)
Nehemiah remains strong in his relationship with God. Several attempts are made to scare him, trick him, cause him to sin, and ruin his reputation, but they all fail, because God protects and guides him.
Have you ever failed to complete work God has called you to accomplish? I know I have. Is it God’s fault that we fail to complete something He asks us to do? No. Would God ask us to do something, knowing we can’t do it? Well, yes. God will ask us to do things that we cannot complete without His help. If we try to do such things on our own (using our own strength, resources, agenda, etc.), He will allow us to fail.
If we fully rely on Him for everything required to complete His callings, such as Nehemiah did, then He will help us succeed. It is by God’s power alone we can accomplish His work and build His Kingdom. If we were able to do the work without God, it would be our kingdom and our will, not His.
I encourage us to fully rely on God for everything, whenever possible. Didn’t sleep well last night? Rely on God for energy and alertness for the day. Don’t have enough money to buy dinner? God will provide. Not clever enough to solve a difficult problem? Don’t worry, God has you covered.
He wants us to fully rely on Him each and every moment of each and every day. The more we do this, the easier it gets, the more obedient we will be, and the more He will help us accomplish His work. If we need further convincing: one more huge bonus of relying on God moment by moment is that we’re far less prone to sin – fixating on God means we’re not looking at the world and its many forbidden fruits, so there’s less temptation. It sounds like a win-win to me.
Father God, our Glorious and Magnificent Provider, You are our Sovereign Lord and Protector. Please help us to fully rely on You more and more each day. May we never worry or fret. for You are with us. May we never question our next meal or paycheck, for You are our source of all provision. May we never question if we can complete something You ask of us, knowing full well You’ll help us succeed if we simply ask You for that help. In the name of Jesus, the One who fully relied on You every moment, we praise Your name. Amen.
~ Conqueror in Training