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PERSPECTIVES FOR SUCCESSFUL SERVICE (VI)
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18
Nehemiah 6:5-9

1 John 3:19-24

 

“Beloved, if our heart condemn us not,

then have we confidence toward God.”

 

PERSPECTIVES FOR SUCCESSFUL SERVICE (VI)
 
If there is a lesson we can learn from Nehemiah, it is that the servant of God has to keep his focus on the work and call of God placed upon him. Nehemiah’s attitude was that nothing, not even a conference for personal vindication, was worth deviating from one’s main call and purpose in God’s work for. Nehemiah’s focus and care in the pursuit of God’s work and call also gave him a clear conscience in the midst of very grave accusations.
 
Then I sent unto him (Neh 6:8). There was no need for him to take time off the work to defend himself as the falsehood in the charges was clear. Nehemiah was content to respond with a word and had no need to present himself for examination to clear his name. His intention in coming with “the king’s letters” (Neh 2:9) had been clear from the beginning. Even Sanballat knew that “there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel” (Neh 2:10). Furthermore, since his coming, his business and focus had been singular. He had engaged himself in nothing other than what brought him to Jerusalem. Therefore, he confidently and rightly responded to the charges: “There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart” (Neh 6:8).
 
Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands (Neh 6:9). Upon sending his reply to Sanballat, Nehemiah prayed to God. He had dealt correctly with the charges in not giving them a basis or foundation. He had lived and behaved above reproach in the call of duty. When the charges were brought to him, he did not cease from the work to go and engage in a discussion with them as they had requested. Rather, he dismissed them summarily, and continued with the work. Focusing on the work, he prayed and asked for strength. Many, when their good work for the Lord is evil spoken of, have given up the good work. But Nehemiah prayed for strength to continue with the good work.
 
THOUGHT: (Read Galatians 1:10.)
PRAYER: Help me, Father, and keep Thy faithful steward from all assaults of the enemy.

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