The Wall Completed

 

Scripture: Nehemiah 6:14-16 (NIV)

Remember Tobiah and Sanballat, my God, because of what they have done; remember also the prophet Noadiah and how she and the rest of the prophets have been trying to intimidate me. So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days. When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God.

Devotion:

In Nehemiah 6, we witness the culmination of an extraordinary feat: the completion of the wall around Jerusalem, despite intense opposition and numerous attempts to thwart the work. This chapter is not merely a historical account; it is a powerful testament to faith, perseverance, and the undeniable hand of God in our endeavors.

Nehemiah faced significant challenges from external enemies, such as Tobiah and Sanballat, who sought to intimidate and distract him from his mission. These adversaries used various tactics, including fear-mongering, false accusations, and even deceit, to undermine the work on the wall. Yet, Nehemiah remained steadfast, continually seeking God's guidance and protection.

The scripture passage Nehemiah 6:14-16 reveals a crucial aspect of Nehemiah's character: his unwavering trust in God. Despite the relentless efforts of his enemies, Nehemiah did not falter. Instead, he turned to prayer, asking God to remember the actions of those who opposed him and to provide the strength needed to complete the task. This reliance on divine assistance is a central theme in Nehemiah's story and inspires us today.

As believers, we often encounter obstacles and opposition in our lives, much like Nehemiah. These challenges can take many forms—personal doubts, external criticisms, or even spiritual attacks. However, Nehemiah's example teaches us that when we place our trust in God and remain committed to the work He has called us to do, we can overcome any adversity.

Completing the wall in fifty-two days is a remarkable achievement, especially considering the context of constant opposition. This accomplishment was not merely a result of human effort and determination but a clear indication of God's intervention and support. The surrounding nations recognized this truth, as the scripture notes that they "were afraid and lost their self-confidence" because they realized that the work had been done with God's help.

This realization brings us to an essential point of reflection: when we rely on God and acknowledge His role in our successes, we strengthen our faith and bear witness to His greatness. Our achievements, like the completed wall of Jerusalem, can become a testament to God's power and faithfulness, impacting those around us and drawing them closer to Him.

In our daily lives, we must remember to seek God's guidance, especially when faced with challenges. Nehemiah's story encourages us to persevere in our endeavors, trusting that God is with us and will see us through to completion. By doing so, we honor Him and provide a powerful testimony of His presence and support.

As we reflect on Nehemiah 6, let us be inspired to approach our tasks with faith and determination, knowing that with God's help, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve great things. May we always remember to give Him the glory for our successes and trust in His unfailing love and guidance in all we do.