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A MIND TO WORK AND PRAY (X)
SATURDAY, JANUARY 31
Nehemiah 4:12-23

Luke 9:23-26, 57-62

 

“If any man will come after me,
let him deny himself,

and take up his cross daily…”

 

A MIND TO WORK AND PRAY (X)
 
Successful work requires planning and preparation. Nehemiah, from the onset, had considered what it would take to accomplish the work:
 
(i) He set a time when asked by the king, and he requested for letters and support for the work.
 
(ii) He took time to survey the wall to see the nature of the work and to rally and solicit help for the work from the people.
 
But no one can prepare for all eventualities. Successful work requires more than just proper planning and preparation.
 
He that sounded the trumpet was by me (Neh 4:18). This verse introduces unforeseen aspects of the work. Nehemiah had not, prior to finding himself in this situation, planned for this. But circumstances necessitated making adjustments to the work plan, and Nehemiah did it successfully. The builders were armed and busy at work. The wall was vast, and the enemy could attack from any quarter. The need for alarm (when necessary) and for the people to be gathered together for a consolidated front against the enemy was addressed. A person was designated and assigned by Nehemiah (who, as leader, would be supervising the work and receiving reports both of the progress and threats to the work).
 
And I said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people (Neh 4:19). Appointing someone to raise the alarm, in case of an attack, would be profitable. It would work only if the people were aware of it, and were required to respond when the alarm was raised. This Nehemiah did, taking time to speak to the men, informing them both of the need and logic of the decision, stating that “the work is great and large, and we are separated upon the wall, one far from another.” And he gave direction as to the response needed when the alarm was raised: “In what place therefore ye hear the sound of the trumpet, resort ye thither unto us.” The work had to continue, and the work and workers needed protection.
 
THOUGHT: Communication and adjustments aid success in service.

PRAYER: Father, may I work and care for the welfare of others.

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