Church was always intended to be a number of people working together, using their gifts and talents for the common good, 1 Corinthians 12:4-31. Sadly this is often not the case. Too often a few people are left doing too much. And then sometimes too, people refuse to delegate or let go of jobs, allowing others to do them but want to keep control. It’s a situation that can work both ways.
Notice how different the picture is in Nehemiah 3. Each family group had their own specific area of work and expertise. They all knew what was required and set about working on their own area to restore the walls. Think how great our churches would be if everybody shared the load like this.
As often happens when God’s people are working together for a common goal there is always someone who wants to stop the work going ahead. Sanballat was such a person. He not only mocked the Jews for what they were doing, he sought to get others to join him in his ridicule.
Whenever God and His people are at work there will always be opposition. What is your reaction to opposition and ridicule? Do you let it stop you from doing God’s work? Or is your attitude like that of Nehemiah who prayed for God to deal with the situation and then continued the work.
When those opposing the work heard it continued, they decided to use physical force. They ‘conspired together to come and fight against Jerusalem,’ Nehemiah 4:8 and stop the work that way. But Nehemiah was a step ahead of them. He set up guards on the walls day and night.
Noticing the people’s fear, Nehemiah also encouraged them to remember what a powerful God they served, Nehemiah 4:14. What precautions do you need to take to overcome opposition in the work you are doing for God? How can you encourage someone else this week in their work for God?
God acted for his people doing his work and frustrated the plans of their enemies. While one half of the group built the wall the others fought their enemies, and they took it in turns. Nehemiah continued to encourage the people that God would fight for them. So they continued to work steadfastly. How do you do God’s work, steadfastly and diligently or spasmodically and carelessly? Are you continuing the work God has given you to do?
In your current situation will you seek God’s way of overcoming opposition, being prepared to watch and continue working while seeking God’s answer?
Bible verses from the New American Standard Version
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