May 18 - Rise Up And Build.

Nehemiah 2:18
“Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work.”
 
The saying “teamwork makes the dream work” is shown first hand in the Book of Nehemiah. He led the people by example as they worked together to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. 
 
Nehemiah told them of how God had directed him, and how he believed that the hand of God was upon him. 
 
“Let us rise up and build.”
Some chose to support him and work together with him toward the purpose. These faithful supporters even chose to strengthen their hands for the work. This had to have encouraged Nehemiah as he followed the Lord.
 
Then there were others that reacted differently.
 
Nehemiah 2:19
“But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king?”
 
Some laughed, scorned and even despised those who were purposing themselves to do what the Lord had for them. 
 
When we seek the Lord’s direction, follow Him by faith, and purpose within ourselves to carry out whatever task He has given, we too will see people react in different ways.
 
Faith to follow the Lord often results in Him filtering out some things and people. We can choose to ignore the Lord working things out for our good and His glory, or we can trust that He knows best.
 
Nehemiah 2:20
“Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.”
 
Nehemiah’s response to his critics should encourage us that the work must continue even when we are facing opposition.
 
Oftentimes, opposition is just a sign that God is up to something.
 
Regardless of where or who your opposition comes from, choose to continue the work that God has given you to do. He will make a way for His work to prosper.
 
Trust Him today, and allow Him to do a work in and through you.
 
 
Bible Reading:
1 Samuel 30-31   |    1 Corinthians 6