building with one hand and bracing with the other

BY Sarah Matheny

Text: Nehemiah 4:1-14, 1 Chronicles 29:11

We’ve seen that Nehemiah faced his share of opposition from early on when he set out to rebuild the wall.

Even before he started building, there were the naysayers, the doubters and the discouragers. Those of us who have stepped out in faith to do something a little less than popular can no doubt relate. Sometimes it is a startling task, or sometimes it’s simply walking in Truth that has others coming out of the woodwork to stand in our way.

Regardless of what the Lord is asking you to do in obedience, how are you responding to the opposition? Knowing His power to make His will happen is not an invitation to rest. In fact, it is in these times we need to keep on building with one hand and bracing ourselves for the attacks with the other. Because when we step out in His name, the attacks will come.

We must guard our hearts, day and night. (Nehemiah 4:9)

We must post our defenses at our weakest points, ready to defend, with other followers, with the strength of His word, with the power of the Holy Spirit. (Nehemiah 4:13)

We continue with our work, defending not out of fear but out of love. For, as followers of Jesus, we know we can be secure in His greatness, crying out to Him, “The power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours.”  (1 Chronicles 29:11, NIV)

So how will you respond to the opposition in your walk today? Will you drop your trowel and walk away from the task? Or will you defend what God has put on your heart to do and brace yourself with Truth?

We’re praying for you, Sisters, and we’re by your side, step by step and brick by brick. Let’s let no one put an end to the work we are doing for His kingdom.