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PERSPECTIVES FOR SUCCESSFUL SERVICE (IX)
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21
Nehemiah 6:10-14

2 Corinthians 11

 

“…whose end shall be

according to their works.”

 

PERSPECTIVES FOR SUCCESSFUL SERVICE (IX)
 
 
The relentless pressure of the opposition in drawing Nehemiah away from the work was such as would drain anyone’s strength. Nehemiah did not seek to stand on his own effort and strength alone. As he had done from the beginning when his heart was burdened by the news about Jerusalem, he turned to God in prayer. He did not allow himself to be distracted by the calls and threats. He also did not allow himself to be unsettled by the frequent attacks. He did not take matters into his own hands, but beseeched God in prayer to remember what Sanballat and his allies were doing. And he continued in the work God had given him to do.
 
My God, think thou upon Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works (Neh 6:14). In this prayer, we see what the believer’s course of action is when constantly pressured while in God’s service. Many have been derailed and drawn away from God’s work due to the works and acts of others. They leave God’s work so as to “deal with the troublemakers first.” They do so thinking and hoping that after dealing with the troublemakers, they can resume God’s work and accomplish it “in peace.” This is a common course that we take especially when we feel that there is no law or course of redress to aid us. When no law will relieve us, it does not mean that we are left with no option and that we must take matters into our own hands. We still have the Throne of Grace. We still have God to call upon. We must not allow ourselves to be distracted from our duty and service to God by what we cannot handle. Instead, we must trust God to handle. Prayer is always our first course of action as we are called “in every thing” to pray. Prayer is also our last recourse. We pray both when we think we are able, and when we think we are not able; when we have options, and also when we have no options. The nature of the internal conspiracy against Nehemiah and the infiltration by Sanballat and Tobiah came to light with the mention of “the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets.” The pressure that he had endured was revealed in the clarification “that would have put me in fear.” It was clear that many sought to mislead him, and the enemy was infliential in the city.
 
THOUGHT: (Read Romans 12:19.)

PRAYER: (Use Psalm 28:1-4.)

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