RPG Adults
A MIND TO WORK AND PRAY (VIII)
THURSDAY, JANUARY 29
Nehemiah 4:12-23
2 Kings 6:7-12
“…and saved himself there,
not once nor twice.”
A MIND TO WORK AND PRAY (VIII)
The enemy had been busy, but so had the servants of God. They had been plotting and planning, determined to cause the work to stop. God’s servants, on the other hand, were praying and working, taking steps to secure their safety even though the load was wearing them down. As Nehemiah organised and armed the people, did he know if the enemy would relent or attack? We are not given a glimpse into his mind on this, but we are given to know of his resolve as reflected in the steps he had taken and in the words he had spoken to the men.
And God had brought their counsel to nought (Neh 4:15). The enemies relented. They changed their mind when they realised that their plans had been known and preparations had been made by Nehemiah and the people to fight and defend the work against them. Nehemiah rightly attributed the change of mind to the work of God and rightly affirmed the sovereignty of God in all things, though it is equally clear that they being responsible for their own safety and taking every step necessary played a part. God works and aids His servants more through providence than through miracles. The Lord indeed would fight for them (Neh 4:20) and prosper them (Neh 2:20), but they also had the duty to rise up and work (Neh 2:20), to set up a watch against the enemy day and night (Neh 4:9), and to trust in God, remembering that He is great and terrible (Neh 4:14). As they did their part, God brought the counsel of the enemy to nought.
We returned all of us to the wall (Neh 4:15). In the process of the work, they faced challenges and they addressed them. As they faced opposition from outside, they made provisions to secure their work and progress. When the opposition abated and the enemy relented, they returned to their work. This is a great testimony to their resolve and commitment to the work, that after such a great threat, and in the light of the increased burden and work, Nehemiah wrote that “all of us” went back to work. May God grant to us the resolve and desire to see His work accomplished, such that we too would still work despite obstacles.
THOUGHT: God’s servants face life’s service with a high view of God.
PRAYER: Father, grant me faith in Thee and grace to serve in every situation.