Work and Fight

Nehemiah 4:15-17 (HCSB)

15 When our enemies realized that we knew their scheme and that God had frustrated it, every one of us returned to his own work on the wall. 16 From that day on, half of my men did the work while the other half held spears, shields, bows, and armor. The officers supported all the people of Judah, 17 who were rebuilding the wall. The laborers who carried the loads worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other.

The Lord called Nehemiah to return to Jerusalem with a group of people to rebuild the wall that was destroyed when taken captive by the Babylonians. The enemies of Judah schemed to kill them and stop the work of rebuilding the wall. Since they are enemies of Judah, they’re also enemies of the Lord. The Lord’s plans always prevail and thus the Lord frustrated their schemes of the enemy. The Jews who lived near the enemy camp overheard the plans and reported them to Nehemiah. Nehemiah’s response:

"Don't be afraid of them. Remember the great and awe-inspiring Lord, and fight for your countrymen, your sons and daughters, your wives and homes." (Nehemiah 4:14 HCSB)

He encouraged the people to press on with the call of God on their lives. They had a vision. A purpose from God.

I know that I know that the Lord put a call on my life. Each day as I press forward toward the preparation, the enemy frustrates me. I confess I’ve been complacent on spiritual warfare. But this is no time to be complacent. We have an enemy who would like nothing more than to thwart the plans of the Lord. I cannot cower to these schemes.

How do I know it’s the enemy? As I press on toward the call, I am more easily distracted with little things. Sickness set in last week. Unexpected little fires needed to be put out. Needless to say I didn’t realize it until after I ran to put them out, if I left them alone those fires would have lacked the fuel to burn and gone out on their own. I learned that not all fires have to but doused, as it must have fuel to burn.

Then I read Nehemiah 4:15-17 last week in the chronological reading. It struck me like a bolt of lightning. I must work with one hand and fight with the other. Now I was reminded that our weapons are not weapons of this world. The fight is in the spirit.

The first step in fighting in the spirit is walking in obedience to the Lord. (2 Cor. 10:3-6; James 4:7)

Next, put on the full armor of God to stand your ground. (Eph. 6:10-20)

We’re in a spiritual battle, but the Lord has equipped us to win! Let’s stay in His word, walk in His ways by being obedient, and fight the good fight of faith.

Now I must be about what the Lord has called me to do. Love & blessings in Christ to you all!

Engrafted by His Grace--