God is at Work

There were many times in the history of God's chosen nation of Israel when mighty victories were accomplished. In the events surrounding Nehemiah’s re-building of the walls of Jerusalem, a ragged band of exiles had returned from captivity in Babylon and were attempting to rebuild the broken-down walls in spite of detractors saying it couldn't be done--but this courageous leader knew it had to be done!

Opposition to this work comes through ridicule (Nehemiah 2:19; 4:1-3); threats of invasion (vv. 7-9); discouragement (v. 10); fear of attack (vv. 11-23); internal friction (5:1-5); diplomatic treachery (6:1-8); and lying prophets (6:10-14). But in the face of each threat, Nehemiah was equal to the task. "We made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night" (4:9), and eventually, as we read in our text, "the wall was finished."

Nehemiah's victory was not of his own power but was preceded by his confession of his own sins and that of the people (1:6-11), and the purification and dedication of the people. It was followed by great rejoicing and blessing.

There are times in our lives when God wants to do a mighty work. It may be something as large as building the wall around Jerusalem which was the task Nehemiah had. The great work could be fixing a relationship that went bad or increasing in the ability of a certain ministry. Its completion can only be done when we confess our own sins and believe that God has forgiven us of those sins and dedicate our lives to His purpose. It is then that great rejoicing and blessings will be realized and people will understand that “this work was wrought of our God” (Nehemiah 6:16). May it be so!