Stay on the Wall

The book of Nehemiah tells the story of the rebuilding of the wall around Jerusalem by the returning exiles. One thing that stands out for me is how Nehemiah focused on completing the task God had sent him to do. The second he started to work on the wall, his enemies attacked. First, they tried derision. Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem laughed at Nehemiah when they learned of his plans to rebuild (Nehemiah 2:19).

Then they became angry and mocked his efforts (Nehemiah 4:1–3). When that did not work, they turned to threats (verses 7, 8). As the story unfolds, Sanballat and company become increasingly more menacing. This story is a metaphor for how the enemy works in our lives—especially when we are determined to do God’s work.

It is easy to focus on the actions of our enemies. It is easy to become inactive, paralyzed by fear. We may be tempted to stop the work for fear of reprisals or further attacks. However, rather than focus on the dissenters, I want to highlight Nehemiah’s response and the lessons we can learn from him. Every time his enemies came at him, Nehemiah prayed. Every time they tried to prevent him from working, he made another plan, one that enabled him to keep working. When his enemies tried to discourage him, Nehemiah spoke life and encouragement over himself and those helping him. Maybe your courage is failing because you have been in the battle for a long time. Or you do not have the words to speak life over your situation. Perhaps you are worn out and exhausted from all your battle scars. I understand, sweet friend, so let me be the encouraging Nehemiah to you. The Lord has entrusted you with that task because He knows you can do it with His help. He wants you to call on Him so He can strengthen you. He wants you to come to Him for wisdom and to depend on Him for resources.

The enemy comes to kill, steal, and destroy, but Jesus came to give you an abundant life. Keep your focus on Jesus. You are doing fantastic work.

Stay on the wall! Do not come down—for it is the Lord your God who fights for you.