Nehemiah 4:15
When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to our own work.
Ezra had returned earlier with a remnant of the exiles which had survived the 70 years of deportation under Nebuchadnezzar. Ezra and his group had rebuilt the temple, but they had not rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem. They faced oppression and conflict with the people living in that area.
When Nehemiah heard that the walls had not been rebuilt he was crushed and heartbroken. For days he mourned and fasted as he cried out to the Lord. The Lord heard his prayer and gave him favor with the king. He was allowed to return to Jerusalem with 42,360 Israelites and 7,337 servants. Their task was to rebuild the walls of the city.
It was a dismal scene that greeted the returnees and there was considerable opposition. It just seemed to be more than they were able to accomplish. It was then that Nehemiah gave the people encouragement. The reason they were to have courage and not be afraid was because it was the Lord Himself who was great and awesome and who would give the people the strength to withstand their enemies.
Question time! What walls need rebuilding in your life? Not walls of separation, but walls that give stability and meaning to your life. Who are the enemies who oppose you? What are your weapons against these foes? Nehemiah encouraged the people by reminding them of who their God was and how great and mighty is His name. We need to keep that in our mind as well. We serve a God who is above all of our adversaries! We need to begin living as more than conquerors!
Take a look at the walls which are broken down in your life — the gates which have been burned. Ask the Lord to give you the strength and determination to see to the rebuilding of those walls. Do not be overcome by the world, but overcome the world through Him who is there beside you to bring the victory.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil
(360) 570-0074
P.S. – You can find previous E-Votionals covering a variety of Scriptures and topics to help you in your walk with the Lord at www.Daily-E-Votional.com