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Nehemiah 4:7-23 – Praying through the Bible #150 – A Prayer with Tools and Weapons
That they prayed is recorded. What they prayed is not. Watching them work with tools and weapons in hand, leads us to an obvious conclusion.
Unrelentingly, the enemy is furiously plotting against God’s people. Their goal is to fight against, and throw Jerusalem into confusion (Nehemiah 4.8). Under Nehemiah’s leadership “we prayed and stationed a guard because of them day and night” (4.9). Enemies don’t relent at our convenience.
Despite the prayers and preparation, morale is not uniformly high. What can be and will be, is never as visually influential as what is. Walking by sight and not faith is easier. In Judah they say: “The strength of the laborer fails, since there is so much rubble. We will never be able to rebuild the wall” (4.10). Confusion over the goal’s attainability can be emotionally debilitating. The enemies say, “They won’t know or see anything until we’re among them and can kill them and stop the work” (4.11). Impending fear can be psychologically devastating. More than just a campaign of words and emotions, the Jews nearby show the present reality of fear, “Everywhere you turn, they attack us.”
Waging a campaign of words himself – but not just words – Nehemiah restores morale. Nehemiah responds with more protection and encouragement: “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the great and awe-inspiring Lord, and fight for your countrymen, your sons and daughters, your wives and homes” (4.14). Recalling the reasons we fight to survive can be uplifting and inspiring.
Read Nehemiah 4:15-23. It is one of the most thorough examples of reliance on God and one another. Notice how their energy is restored because they knew and their enemies knew “God had frustrated” their enemies’ scheme (4.15). When God is on our side, anything can be accomplished. That thought permeates Genesis through Revelation. Under God and with Nehemiah, all work with either one hand holding tools while wearing weapons; or wielding and watching by standing guard for one another. Spiritually speaking, we should follow suit and be prepared for all, never resting from the relentlessness of Satan’s schemes. God, leadership, prayer, tools, weapons, brotherhood and perseverance all will lead to success for God’s people. Today, when doing God’s work we use weapons of righteousness.
Although unstated, obviously these wall builders prayed for protection and perseverance. Against our enemy Satan, that must be our prayer too. Even if others don’t hear us, can they tell what is in our heart and on our lips to our God? Do our actions declare our prayers? Are our prayers in line with our goals? Neither protection nor perseverance is possible with prayer.
Prayer Challenge: Along with “pray without ceasing” add “work without ceasing.”
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