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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise Nehemiah and the remnant conquered their fear by reminding themselves that you are “great and awesome” and that you “will fight for us” (Neh 4:14, 20). I praise you today as the God who has control of my circumstances. You know the threats and dangers that I face, and you are more than able to meet my needs! All praise to the Lord of hosts! Hallelujah! Today in Your Word Today you told me about the opposition that Nehemiah and the remnant experienced as they labored to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls. Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem used every dirty trick they could think of to prevent the repairs from being completed. First, they mocked and ridiculed the work: ‘Look at that wall! If a fox jumped on it, it would fall down!’ Nehemiah responded by turning to you in prayer and asking you to “turn back their taunt on their own heads.” This teaches me to look to you, not myself, for vindication and to reject the world’s low opinion of my service to you. Next, they threatened violence against the remnant. Nehemiah responded by asking you for help, and he set up a round-the-clock guard to protect the laborers. This teaches me to avoid the pitfalls of panic and paralysis. I should cast my cares on you in prayer and then take appropriate action to deal with my situation. The next difficulty came, not from their enemies, but from within—many of the people had given in to fear. Nehemiah responded by encouraging them: “Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes” (Neh 4:14). This teaches me how to encourage myself and others in the Lord. I should meditate on who you are and then take action knowing that you are on my side. The remnant rallied to Nehemiah, and they worked with their weapons at their sides. Some days later, Nehemiah was made aware of sin in the camp. Certain of the remnant had exacted usury from their fellow Jews, and it had resulted in slavery for some of the people. Nehemiah responded by exposing the sin, rebuking the sinners, and calling for a return to biblical living. He also sacrificed personally in order to set a good example for the people. This gives me a pattern to follow when dealing with sin in the church, and it shows me that there will be times when I need to sacrifice in order to lead by example. Sanballat & Co. realized that the work was nearing completion, and they schemed to eliminate Nehemiah or at least discredit him. Nehemiah responded with wisdom, prudence and integrity, and the walls and gates were finished. This teaches me to exercise careful judgment when dealing with the wicked. I must maintain my integrity to your commands even when those around me are urging me to compromise (Neh 6:13–14). Reflection Shemaiah tried to trick Nehemiah into committing sin by urging him to enter the temple which was off limits to everyone except the priests. Nehemiah wisely recognized this as treachery, for when a prophet advises something contrary to your Word, he reveals himself to be a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Request Father, impress the lessons from today’s reading on my heart. Help me to put this wisdom into practice and show the same kind of determination and commitment that Nehemiah did. Thanksgiving Thank you for showing me that it’s possible to make it through difficult times by trusting in you! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus” — Helen H. Lemmel. Meditation Verse: Nehemiah 5:19.