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CHAPTER 4 (ESV)

7 But when Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabs and the Ammonites and the Ashdodites heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem was going forward and that the breaches were beginning to be closed, they were very angry. 8 And they all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and to cause confusion in it. 9 And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night.

10 In Judah it was said, “The strength of those who bear the burdens is failing. There is too much rubble. By ourselves we will not be able to rebuild the wall.” 11 And our enemies said, “They will not know or see till we come among them and kill them and stop the work.” 12 At that time the Jews who lived near them came from all directions and said to us ten times, “You must return to us.” 13 So in the lowest parts of the space behind the wall, in open places, I stationed the people by their clans, with their swords, their spears, and their bows. 14 And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.”

REFLECTION:

A huge project can easily make people tired. Together with the discouragement from the pressure of the enemies, it seemed there was no end day for the completion of the project. Nehemiah reminded everybody to focus on God’s calling and the goal, reassuring them of God’s protection. Nehemiah always united his prayer, preparation and plan to encourage people to trust God and to guard the tasks God entrusted. Today we often pray but we did not pay effort to understand God’s will. The correct attitude is to prepare, to think and to pray. Today, if you encounter a lot of difficulties and get bored and frustrated by work, please remember God has a purpose for your life and your work. Learn from Nehemiah in seeking God’s will in prayer and doing God’s will diligently.

PRAYER:

Come before God in quietness and pray for the difficulties and challenges you faced today. Ask God to give you wisdom and courage to finish your work. Thank God for the Bible, which provides you a guideline in doing things. Ask God to speak to you through the Scripture and help you understand His will and guidance.

HYMN:

In Christ Alone – www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwyuPvNjhUM