Today’s Tasting: Nehemiah 6-7
After the Babylonian exile, Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem to assist with the rebuilding and restoration of Jerusalem. He is instructed by the Lord to complete the wall surrounding Jerusalem. Neighboring nations and even some people inside Jerusalem opposed the building of the wall but despite the opposition, the wall was completed.
Nehemiah was also responsible for making a record of the genealogy of the people in Judah at the time.
Throughout these chapters he continually says that these things were completed with the help of God.
Today’s Nourishment: I can imagine that building a wall and making a list of everyone who was living in Judah at the time would have been a daunting task.
Have you ever experienced a large task at hand?
Something you felt you just could not do alone or it would never be completed?
These are the times when we can rely on God to help us through. Persevering against opposition or against your own doubts builds our relationship with God and validates your faith in Him.
Nehemiah was being threatened because of the work he was doing in Jerusalem. He turns to prayer for strength.
5 Then, the fifth time, Sanballat sent his aide to me with the same message, and in his hand was an unsealed letter 6 in which was written:
“It is reported among the nations—and Geshem[b] says it is true—that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and therefore you are building the wall. Moreover, according to these reports you are about to become their king7 and have even appointed prophets to make this proclamation about you in Jerusalem: ‘There is a king in Judah!’ Now this report will get back to the king; so come, let us meet together.”
8 I sent him this reply: “Nothing like what you are saying is happening; you are just making it up out of your head.”
9 They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.”
But I prayed, “Now strengthen my hands.” [Nehemiah 6:5-9 NIV]
One of my favorite scriptures about perseverance is in Romans 12:12
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
I pray that when you feel like you have a difficult decision, change, or task in your life–as Nehemiah did—that you will pray to the Lord for guidance, assistance and comfort. He knows your heart and He knows the things that He has in store for you. Persevere in Him builds trust and faith in Him. God, I know, will deliver the things you need.
Humbly,
Vanessa Long
Salt Lake City, UT
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