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A MIND TO WORK AND PRAY (V)
MONDAY, JANUARY 26
Nehemiah 4:7-11

2 Corinthians 4:8-16

 

“For which cause we faint not…”

 

A MIND TO WORK AND PRAY (V)
 
The work did not get easier as it progressed. Duties and responsibilities seemed to increase with the progress of the work. The wall was now joined together (Neh 4:6), yet there was much more to be done. The enemy was still threatening to attack from without, and devising ways and making inroads to attack from within. In addition to the work of building and repairs, they not only had the additional duty of keeping watch against the threat of attack from the enemy, they also had the rubbish and debris to deal with.
 
The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed (Neh 4:10). The work and service of the Lord is work that is demanding, and as such cannot be fruitfully and successfully approached or accomplished by simply relying on human ability and strength. It requires and takes more than just physical and human wisdom, ability and strength to successfully serve God. The rigours of the work physically affected the workers and their ability to continue at the pace they were working, but the waning physical ability need not signify a waning spiritual desire.
 
So that we are not able to build the wall (Neh 4:10). The strength of the workers was reflected in the progress of the work, but the same physical strength failed them before the work was fully accomplished. The people who spoke discouragingly would naturally lead to the people murmuring against the work. What the enemy was not able to accomplish with his word was accomplished by the dissenting voice within the camp. True courage is not derived from, nor a show in, physical strength. It is derived from trust in God inspite of physical ability, strength or the prevailing and current circumstances. It would take courage for the people to finish the work. At a time when threats abounded and enemies surrounded, the thoughts highlighted were not on the progress made, but on the burdens left and the difficulties faced. The fears within and the thoughts straying then threatened to stall the work.
 
THOUGHT: Courage is trusting in God and doing what is right.

PRAYER: Father, grant me faith to trust Thee, and grace to obey Thee fully.

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