It’s been said that “anything worth having is worth fighting for.” While this may not always be true, we look in again on God’s people rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, and we see that they did not do so without resistance. Their enemies were determined to stop their progress. When the people were tempted to quit, they cried out to God.
From the people of Nehemiah’s day we can see the enemy’s first tactic: belittling and shaming (4:2-3). The people responded (v. 4-5) by praying, “God, fight for us!” With the enemy’s second tactic, plotting to stir up trouble (v. 7-8), the people prayed and posted a guard (v. 9). And finally, when the enemy played on fear (v. 10-12), the people enlisted warriors to protect exposed places (v. 13). Clearly, this building project was worth fighting for!
When you are tempted to quit rebuilding the broken places around you, cry out to God in prayer; post a guard on your mind and heart; enlist others to pray for exposed places; and remember who your Savior is and what is at stake!