Will Your Walls Stand Tall?

Today's Reading: Nehemiah 2:11-20

In this last half of Nehemiah 2, we are going to see Nehemiah's inspection of the walls of Jerusalem, his report to the officials, and the opposition he is beginning to face.

In verses 11 through 15, Nehemiah rests in Jerusalem for three days and then sets out at night to inspect the wall. It is important to be well-rested before we take on a large project. Nehemiah has traveled many miles from Susa to Jerusalem and he wisely decides to rest and get his bearings before jumping head first into the project. It's also interesting to note in these verses that he didn't tell anyone what he was doing as he inspected the wall, except for those men he needed to accompany him. Sometimes it is best to keep our own counsel while we are in the information-gathering phase of a project. Otherwise, we run the chance of speaking too quickly and without enough knowledge of what needs to be done.

Once all his information is together, Nehemiah presents his plan to the officials and gains their support in verses 17-18. Nehemiah wisely lays out the work to be done and reminds the officials of how God has already interceded to help bring this project together. We see here that God's words are usually the most persuasive and that His favor guarantees success.

And then comes the opposition! In verse 11, we were introduced to Sanballat and Tobiah who were "very much disturbed that someone had come to promote the welfare of the Israelites." Now in verses 19-20, they are back and they brought some reinforcements in the form of Geshem the Arab. These three men mocked and ridiculed Nehemiah and accused him of rebelling against the king. Nehemiah again relies on God and claims success in God's name. Regardless of opposition, we can still claim victory if we are walking in God's will.

So how's the wall God has asked you to build faring? Did you get enough rest and gather enough information before starting to work? Do you feel His favor and are you claiming His victory by walking in His will while you work? If your wall is not standing tall, maybe it is time to start over before that wall comes tumbling down...

- Holly Barrett