RPG Adults
A MIND TO WORK AND PRAY (II)
FRIDAY, JANUARY 23
Nehemiah 4:1-6
1 Chronicles 28:1-10
“…serve him
with a perfect heart and
with a willing mind.”
A MIND TO WORK AND PRAY (II)
Prayer does not equal inaction. Relying on God and seeking Him and His grace in the face of our helplessness does not equal inability. In the face of opposition in the service of God, the hands of the servants of God are not slackened. Nehemiah prayed, and the work continued. True and believing prayer does not hinder or reduce the zeal and diligence of the person praying. Neither does it promote negligence of duty, even in the face of trials and opposition.
So built we the wall (Neh 4:6). Christian service entails both devotion and action. Devotion to seek God’s will and guidance, as well as devotion to do God’s work and accomplish what is set out for God’s glory. This is the testimony recorded for us in Nehemiah 4:6. When Nehemiah was burdened with the state of Jerusalem, he prayed (Neh 1:4). Before he made his request to the king, he prayed (Neh 2:4). Then when faced with opposition while doing the work, he prayed (Neh 4:4). He and the builders were determined and focused in their prayers and in their work, which were reflected in the obvious and visible progress of the work: “… all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof…” (Neh 4:6).
The people had a mind to work (Neh 4:6). Christian service has to be intentional and deliberate. The mind to serve God includes:
(1) the knowledge of God and the acknowledgement of God, trusting His Word and providential leading as we approach the work set before us, and
(2) the willing yielding to God through commitment to do the work we have confirmed to be God’s work and will for us even when faced with intimidation from outside, and discouragement and fears from within.
The challenges, obstacles, and hurdles in the course of the work drive us to God in prayer. These also remind us to trust in His wisdom, power and provision, and commit ourselves to His care. In the face of mockery and adversity, Nehemiah and the builders simply prayed and pressed on with the work.
THOUGHT: God’s servants must trust in God in all circumstances.
PRAYER: Father, help me always to trust Thee and do my best.