Stay On The Wall: A Message to The Rebuilders
“I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?” Nehemiah 6:3 (ESV).
Have you ever heard the saying, “It gets worse before it gets better?” Well, often it does. It takes things falling apart, so we can agree it was only a hindrance to our progress. Redemption, renewal, and recalibration are found in the unraveling. Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the term unravel:
to cause to come apart by or as if by separating the threads of
to resolve the intricacy, complexity, or obscurity of: clear up
Isn’t it just like Jesus to heal first by separating and disentangling so that we bear much fruit? “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me” John 14:1-4 (NIV).
In the Bible, the book of Nehemiah recounts the Israelites' return to Judah and Jerusalem after their exile in Babylon. They are separated from God due to their disobedience, their home is in ruins, and their city walls are destroyed. Nehemiah, a Jew and cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, seeks the well-being of the Israelites in prayer and fasting and receives favor from the King to travel to Jerusalem and lead in the rebuilding of the wall. However, Nehemiah and the remnant in Jerusalem find themselves under the scrutiny of their adversaries, Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arab. The three men conspired against the rebuilders, attempting to drive them out. “When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard about this, they were very much disturbed that someone had come to promote the welfare of the Israelites” Nehemiah 2:10, NIV).
Nevertheless, the rebuilders pushed back. They sought refuge in God and community and strategized against the warfare they were experiencing. The three men meant evil, but their arrows only taught the Israelites how to depend on God and to strengthen their loins (Proverbs 31:17). The Israelites' unraveling was for God’s glory, and in just 52 days, the wall was built (Nehemiah 6:15). Can you imagine that! How glorious it is that a city, their home, destroyed by fire, was rebuilt in just 52 days. That should excite you and propel you to trust God with what you're rebuilding. He’s faithful! The Israellites were determined, and we must be too.
Here are three things to be aware of as a rebuilder:
Distractions (Nehemiah 2:10). The men were displeased that Nehemiah came to seek the prosperity of his people, but Nehemiah pressed on. Remember, we don’t fear men, we fear God (Matthew 10:26-28).
Naysayers (Nehemiah 2:19). Their enemies mocked them, but before this, Nehemiah knew he had the right people on his side. This is a time to re-evaluate who is in your birthing room (Nehemiah 2:18) *Don’t choose people out of guilt, familiarity, or because they make you feel comfortable*
Accusation (Nehemiah 2:19). The Israelites were accused of starting a rebellion against the king. Of course, it was false, and thank God, Nehemiah was fortified in his faith, and God had already softened the king's heart. Hold fast to your peace; the truth will always be revealed.
So be on guard, and Stay On The Wall. The same God who gave you the promise will surely complete it.
Be Encouraged,
Love Monica.
