Pray and Work, the Inspiring Example of Nehemiahናሙና

Losing heart

“The people in Judah said, ‘The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall.’” (Nehemiah 4:10, NIV)

The builders in Jerusalem had set to work in good spirits. The first results were promising. In a short time, the city wall was joined together to half its height! But the hard work and the enmity they experienced took their toll. Especially when several surrounding nations plotted together “to come and fight against Jerusalem and to cause confusion in it.” Against this new threat, surveillance was needed day and night. This took a lot of energy and time. The work was delayed and the people lost heart.

The despondency of these builders brings to mind the words of a group of spies when the people of Israel had to go and take their land: “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are.” (Numbers 13:31) They, too, looked at the circumstances and were discouraged by them.

Joshua and Caleb offered the spies a rebuttal. “If the Lord delights in us, he will bring us into this land and give it to us” (Numbers 14:8). Nehemiah did the same thing. He said, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.” (Nehemiah 4:14)

When you feel discouraged, do you manage to turn your attention to the Lord God? How does that make a difference?