Go to God, and Get Back to Work!

Scripture: Now when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was angry and greatly enraged, and he jeered at the Jews. Nehemiah 4:1 Observation: So much work had been done on the wall Nehemiah was rebuilding. Gates rehung, towers restored, breaches repaired. It was close to half-way finished. Nehemiah and his team were close to carrying out the task of the Lord. And then opposition arises. Sanballat begins to taunt them and accuse them. This does not deter Nehemiah, however, who takes this issue straight to God, and then gets back to work. Goes to God, and gets back to work. There is a wall to be built, after all. In the next few verses we see the people rallied and finished that stage of the wall--1/2 done, because they had a mind to work. Application: When you are getting close to accomplishing the task God has set before you, opposition will rise. It may be in the form of a person or a problem. It might be financial or medical. It may be something that affects the whole team, or a personal issue. But obstacles are not evidence that wrong has been done. Sometimes they are a blockbuster sign that something right is happening. The enemy will leverage whatever tools at his disposal to slow down God's work. I need to take seriously Nehemiah's example of praying, and getting back to work. I probably tend to focus on all the wall-building aspects in my life, and not remember that projects need prayer. Prayer: God, I thank you for the wall building you let me do. Please guard these walls and build them up for your people and your glory. May my heart turn again and again to you, and may I keep at the work, that I might see you finish the wall.

Walking Like Esther

Scripture: Now Esther was winning favor in the eyes of all who saw her. Esther 2:15

Observation: The Persian king has divorced his wife for not obeying his command to come to him. Now, he is looking for another woman to be his bride. He has brought to him a group of virgins, who are treated to a 12 month beauty regime. Out of this group, he will choose Esther. This selection quickly proves wise, as her cousin Mordaci is able to uncover and foil a plot against the king.
There is much that disagrees with me in this story—the casual dissolution of a marriage, the forced enslavement of young women. But in spite of the circumstances, one thing shines through: Esther. She is determined to willingly serve in tough circumstances. She is wise in her ability to listen and follow the advice of others. Slowly she is winning over all those around her, including the king himself. And as we will see, it is for such a time as this that Esther sits on the throne.

Application: Sometimes in the worst of circumstances, we have to continue to do what is right. We have to continue to serve, continue to get back up, continue to fight for the cause. Esther determined that she would not change who she was, but would continue to let the favor-winning grace of God shine through her life. Who knows, perhaps the situation that seems so bleak and helpless, is merely God setting the stage for a huge reveal of His deliverance? Ester could not have known her selection would assist in the saving of the king’s life.
It can be hard in trying times to give in, give up. But the smart money is on continuing to do what is right, and trust that God has a plan. Until that plan becomes clear, we walk in and by his favor-winning grace.

Prayer: Today, God, I trust that you are working behind the scenes. Just like you are present, but not named, in Esther’s life, I know that you are behind the scenes in my life. You are using all kinds of circumstances for your good and your glory. Help me keep my chin up and walk with grace in such a way that I am winning favor among all whom I serve.