Unstoppable Workers!

During the time of Nehemiah -- when the wall was being rebuilt around Jerusalem -- there were enemies who did not want the work to be completed. These enemies threatened. They spoke in ways to try to discourage the people. However, Nehemiah encouraged the people on with the work until its completion. During the whole process, Nehemiah did not blindly dismiss the threats. Though he continued to petition God for help, he also kept the people prepared.

Reading Nehemiah's description of the continuing work we find . . .
"(17) . . . Those who carried burdens were loaded in such a way that each LABORED on the work WITH ONE HAND and HELD HIS WEAPON WITH THE OTHER. (18) And each of the builders had his sword strapped at his side while he built. The man who sounded the trumpet was beside me." ( Nehemiah 4:17-18 ESV)

Though prepared for defense, the work continued. There was the need to press on with the work while still being prepared for any attack. This reminds me of Paul's statement to the church at Corinth. As Paul engaged in the spiritual warfare of spreading the Gospel, he remained equipped and READY for whatever he faced. Opposition would not stop His work.

Paul wrote. . .
"(4) but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, (5) beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; (6) by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; (7) by truthful speech, and the power of God; WITH THE WEAPONS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS FOR THE RIGHT HAND AND FOR THE LEFT; (8) through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; (9) as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; (10) as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything." ( 2 Corinthians 6:4-10 ESV)

Could we not see how some of that could cause one to quit? Sometimes treated well, but often not so well. Still, Paul persevered in the ministry to which he had been called. He was prepared. Note how he mentioned "WEAPONS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS" IN BOTH HANDS. Perhaps he had in mind the idea of the spiritual armor he noted in his Ephesian letter. ( Ephesians 6:13-17) There among the "whole armor of God" (vs.13) mentioned were the "shield of faith" (vs.16) and the "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (vs.17); items for the left (shield for defense) and right (sword for offense) hands. Or Paul may have simply implied a COMPLETE READINESS (both hands) in faithfully carrying out the work of God entrusted to him.

We too must guard against allowing God's work in and through our lives to be discouraged or stopped. Let us continue to seek His help and strength needed for the warfare on behalf of the truth and put both hands (and feet and mouth) forward to defending and upholding God's Will. Like those during the days of Nehemiah, may we maintain "a mind to work." ( Nehemiah 4:6)

Have a great day DILIGENTLY PRESSING ON IN GOD'S GOOD WORK!
Carl

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