Today’s Devotional – Pray and Stand Watch

I was reading Nehemiah Chapter four today, and every time I read it I’m in awe of his ability to complete his work in the face of adversity. If you’re not familiar with the story, Nehemiah was a cup bearer for the king who had a burden to repair the walls of Jerusalem after the Israelites returned from Captivity.

As they start building the walls, we see that the enemies are furious, and so they start attacking the Jews both verbally and physically. The Bible tells us that the opposition to their work was so bad that they worked with one hand and held a weapon in the other.

Nehemiah was under incredible pressure, but more-so he had incredible faith. And so, the first action he took was prayer. As well, he posted a guard.

Compare this to the words that Jesus told His disciples on the night He was betrayed.

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Mark 14:38, NIV)

Jesus knew that they’d be standing against the enemy that very night, and He also knew that prayer was the best source of protection for them.

There’s going to be days when the enemy is attacking us from all sides. Situations that try our patience and test our will. Days when we’re afraid to step out in faith. Times when we question our worth and doubt our ability.

On days like that remember Nehemiah, who courageously worked for the Lord in spite of his fear. Remember how he guarded himself from the enemy. Finally, following Nehemiah’s example, take your eyes off of the world, and take your burden to prayer.

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Tilling the Soil

Read Nehemiah Chapters 4

Planting Hope

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Mark 14:38, NIV)

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