Don't Come Down

Photo by Spencer Davis on Unsplash

Have you ever been in the middle of accomplishing a task – in your house or on your job – and then your phone rings?  Do you take the call?  Have you ever saved up for a vacation or a home repair only to have your car break down or an unexpected bill show up? Do you stop saving again or throw up your hands in defeat? Better yet, have you ever felt like you were finally making progress on a major goal – only to encounter repeated obstacles?  Do you give up, or do you move forward?

This week I have been reading the Book of Nehemiah, and it’s been a fascinating study.  As the cup-bearer to the king, he held a high position in the royal court, but more than that – he held a position of trust and accountability. He would carry the king’s cup to guard it against poisoning, and he sometimes had to taste or swallow what was in it before serving it. He was a first line of defense, but his own life was at risk constantly.

Nehemiah had remained in Persia during the Israelites’ captivity in Babylon. When the Israelites were allowed to return to Jerusalem, the place was in turmoil.  In Nehemiah 1:3, we learn that those who survived the exile, and are back in the province, are in great trouble and disgrace.  The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire. Now, Nehemiah had a choice.  He had a secure and lofty position.  He could have simply shrugged off the plight of his brothers and people, instead, he wept. Nehemiah was God’s prophet, and he mourned for his people by fasting, praying, and going before the Lord to petition on behalf of his people.

Photo by Yoal Desurmont on Unsplash

After going to God, Nehemiah went to the king to get permission to go to his hometown.  He took a few good people and went to inspect the city.  In Nehemiah 2:17, he said to the men: “you see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” He goes on to tell them that the gracious hand of His God was on him!

Nehemiah had his marching orders, and he had his assignment.  He had to rebuild the wall at all costs.  It was too much relying on him completing it.  He was spied upon, lied on, interrupted, and even threatened with death, but he was not deterred. Nehemiah 6:3 says he told his detractors: “I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop, while I leave it and go down for you?” After they kept coming for him, he replied the same thing.  In verse 11, he declared that he would not go! He was running from anybody, but he was running to God.

Let us learn from Nehemiah – on many levels – but especially when it comes to being focused on the tasks that we are called to complete with persistence, tenacity, and integrity.  When we undertake anything that is worthy of undertaking – even when it may seem small or inconsequential, we will face opposition. No one can stop us but us.  People may frustrate and even hinder us, but ultimately, our destiny is in God’s hands. I encourage you: Don’t come down from your wall.

To find out what happens with Nehemiah and the wall, read the Book of Nehemiah.

© 2019 by Antoinette V. Barber