Daily Devotional

Nehemiah was able to describe his own work for the Lord as a “great work!”  Some would not even have called it very spiritual – he was just rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem.  But he knew he was commissioned by God Himself.  He saw his work as a great work!

What you are doing for the Lord in your life right now is a great work.  I encourage you to see it that way, as Nehemiah did.  What it seems to others is of little consequence.  Much of what we do is our occupation and family life.  Other work may be more directly involved with the church, or some other ministry.  But it is all a great work, your great work!  If it is done in service to the Lord.

Nehemiah’s enemies tried to lure him away to deter the work.

But I said, “Should a man like me flee? And could one such as I go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in.”  Then I perceived that surely God had not sent him, but he uttered his prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.  
Verses 11-12

He says, “Should such a man as I run away?”  He saw himself as one of God’s people.  Such people do not run away because of trials in their labors.  We would do well to remember what kind of man or woman we are, servants of the Most High God!  Such a man as this, or woman, does not back off because of pressure or resistance.  Today acknowledge yourself as He did, “Such a man (woman) as I”

The result will be the accomplishment of God’s work.  And it will be known as God’s work.

So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of the month Elul, in fifty-two days. When all our enemies heard of it, and all the nations surrounding us saw it, they lost their confidence; for they recognized that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God.  Verses 15-16

This is our goal!  That others looking on will perceive that our work was accomplished with the help of God.  They will pull back.  They will begin to fear the Lord.  Our work will not be honored first as something done just by us, but done by God in us, in Spirit, accomplishing His holy purpose.

So take up your work today, such a one as you!  Finish the “wall” you are working on, day by day.  Let the Lord Jesus be glorified by all that is accomplished!

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.