Christian Devotional – January 18, 2020

Day 18 – Clarity. Even with all the opposition that he was experiencing, Nehemiah maintained a great sense of clarity. He understood the real danger that they were in, but didn’t let it stop him. Read Nehemiah 4:10-14.

Thus in Judah it was said, “The strength of the burden bearers is failing, Yet there is much rubbish; And we ourselves are unable To rebuild the wall.” Our enemies said, “They will not know or see until we come among them, kill them and put a stop to the work.” When the Jews who lived near them came and told us ten times, “They will come up against us from every place where you may turn,” then I stationed men in the lowest parts of the space behind the wall, the exposed places, and I stationed the people in families with their swords, spears and bows. When I saw their fear, I rose and spoke to the nobles, the officials and 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 houses.”
Nehemiah 4:10‭-‬14 NASB
https://bible.com/bible/100/neh.4.10-14.NASB

Now yes, the opposition that they were facing was very real. The danger that they were in was very real. However, Nehemiah didn’t just pray about the situation as we saw yesterday, he also took very practical steps to help keep people focused on doing the work. They were in danger of people attacking them while they worked, so Nehemiah set up a guard. And then, he addressed the people to encourage them and help them work through their fear so that they too could also pray and keep doing work. Everything Nehemiah did brought people back to God first and obedience second. Nehemiah helped them realize that God is over all and in control of all and that our responsibility to simply to be obedient to him.

Are we being obedient to the work that God has given us? If so, we’re probably experiencing opposition. Are we being realistic about the opposition and taking the necessary steps that God would have us to take so that we can continue to be obedient? What other steps do we need to take today to focus on God first and then to be obedient to him?