Working and Watching
We all have work to do. Most of us have to work to support ourselves and our families, unless we are retired. Then, as Christians, God has work for us to do. When we are saved He gives us gifts of the Spirit, and He gives us directions for how to work in His kingdom using our gifts. Both kinds of work are very important, and we must not let anything stop us from accomplishing what we need to do, even though our work can be very challenging.
Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem from being in exile to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. The enemies of the Jews did not want them to build the walls and be secure, so they threatened to attack the workers. Nehemiah developed a plan so the work would continue. (Nehemiah 4:21) The people worked early and late, from sunrise to sunset; and half of the men were always on guard. They worked with their weapons, and they took turns working and watching, so they could complete the work and do it well. We all need to learn from this.
Whatever kind of work we have to do will be full of challenges and trials. I know our spiritual work will have enemies, too, because Satan and his forces will be out to stop us, as well as people who are against the Lord's work. We must not let these things stop us from doing God's work. We must work hard, as for the Lord, and do the work for as long as it takes to complete it. Anything worth doing is hard to do, but God will be with us as we trust Him to direct us and give us strength for what He has given us to do. If we will work, He will always give us what we need to do it in His power and wisdom.
At the same time we need to be on guard. We need to be watching while we are working. If we don't watch out for the world, the flesh, and the devil, we will get side tracked or defeated. We watch for the enemies by staying filled with the Spirit, and listening to what He tells us. He will be there to warn us, but we have to heed His warning. He will show us what to say and what to do, so we can keep working and never be deterred from what God has for us to do. This is an every day task, 24/7. As we work and watch we can accomplish much, just like Nehemiah and the people in Jerusalem.
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Tomorrow, I intend to read Nehemiah 5-7.