Expect It

"Don't be afraid of them. Put your minds on the Master, great and awesome, and then fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes."

Another great reminder.

I believe the most impressive part of the passage was that so many were working on the wall without any real comprnsation. This was a huge undertaking of both time and materials. First of all they donated their time. They did not go out and hire construction workers. Then they donated or paid for materials. There were no monetary offerings mentioned They paid for ikt themselves Christian living is more than just showing up in soft clothes and writing a check. It requires keen minds, calloused hands, strong backs and a willingness to sweat.

Important for the leader to remain focused on the mission and yet be flexible to change to cope with the challenges in fulfilling the mission. Also, it is important to remain steadfast and positive when there are setbacks and discouragement from the enemies. I believe Nehemiah has a group of friends that he worked together and encouraged one another to complete their mission.

We have been remolding our Church. All kinds of things have come agaist us: work not done well, break in and destruction, waiting on insurance adjustment. Even so good came out of it. A man agreed to take down a wall, at his expense. This increased space by at lease 30%. Now we are getting ready to have dedication of new santuary. Oh praise the Lord.

Nehemiah set the tone by praying. Showing the importance of absolute dependence on God as we seek to live out our lives. He called upon all by stressing that the future of the individuals depended on the unity of all of God's people. While accomplishing God's purposes there is no place for selfish or individualistic agendas, unity above all things.
Nehemiah also reminded the people that as they obeyed God in doing what was possible for them, building, watching, being alert and willing to respond to threats on anyone; they could count on God to do the impossible disarming the threats of the enemies. Lastly Nehemiah rolled up his sleeves and he did not expect anything from anyone that he himself was not willing to do.

This passage reminds that whatever the opposition is we are to PRAY first, ask for his wisdom, protection and guidance all along the way and have others pray for us to stay strong and in faith. Families are falling apart all over the place and this story brings to light how we can rebuild our families but we can't do it alone. The enemy hates family, hates marriages and we can see that he has infiltrated many. Nehemiah is a great example to me to keep going and have others join in prayer for us (keep watch) and other families to stay strong and not give up.

Nehemiah first prayed against opposition as it surfaced and he made ample preparations to combat it. The arming of the workers hindered productivity yet the work went on to completion. The easiest and best way to accomplish tasks might be hindered due to opposition yet through prayer with confidence in God the way of completion awaits. God enables believers to overcome through adversity and causes us to fight off opposition.

Nehemiah's response to the threat is just wonderful.

He turns to God first and foremost. The Lord isn't his last resort--He's Nehemiah's first response.

From there, Nehemiah both depends on God and uses the common sense god gave him. There's no doubt that, as he says himself, he trusts God to fight for His people. At the same time, everyone's armed from that point forward, and there's a militia ready to fight at all times--sort of an early "Praise the Lord, and pass the ammunition" approach.

Finally, as you mentioned in the blog, Tami, Satan does oppose us when we are accomplishing things for the Lord.

Often (I know it's true in my life), his method of attack is to try and deceive us through our mind and emotions. He tries to instill and a sense of doom in the workers in this passage. It's at this point that Nehemiah hangs his hat on what he knows to be true--that God has led to this point, God is working in the midst of these circumstances, and so the course is to be stayed. When Satan attacks us, we must also hang our hats on what it is we know in Christ, and trust Him for anything that's unknown or lacking. "I believe, help my unbelief!"

This also tells me to look to Jesus not just at bad times, but at good times too. We are too quick to call on His name when we are in trouble. That is one place we can go without oppostion, on our faces. (not too offend anyone that has physical means of not getting down low) You can still go to Jesus, one on one and thats what it is all about!

I learned that you can't move forward if you quit.

As others have stated, Nehemiah was quick to seek God in prayer when opposition came. He was steadfast, immoveable, and abiding in the work of the Lord. He knew that God was at the helm.

Another thing that stood out was that they all worked together. Each had a purpose in mind, and they did whatever they had to do to accomplish what needed to be done. If only the church today worked together like this for a common goal. He knew God would see them through.

Great lesson for us all.

Put on the whole armor of God to be able to withstand the onslaught of Satan while the work for the Lord is done.