Day 14: Using Both Hands
Today’s Reading: Nehemiah 4:1–23
Welcome to Day 14 of our 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting 2023. This is Week 2, The Comfort of the Holy Spirit.
The Focus: “Those who carried materials DID THEIR WORK WITH ONE HAND AND HELD A WEAPON IN THE OTHER, and each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked.” (Nehemiah 4:17b–18)
The Meditation: “Did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other.”
Building Under Pressure
Nehemiah had come to Jerusalem to rebuild its broken walls. As soon as the work began, the opposition began as well. Sanballat and Tobiah mocked the builders and said that even a fox would knock their wall down (Nehemiah 4:1–3).
Nehemiah did not answer them. He prayed (Nehemiah 4:4). And the people kept building, because they worked with all their heart (Nehemiah 4:6).
Prayer and a Guard
When mockery failed, the enemies plotted to attack. Nehemiah’s response is one of the most practical verses in the Bible. They prayed to their God, and they posted a guard day and night (Nehemiah 4:9).
He did both. He did not pray and then do nothing. Nor did he post a guard and forget to pray. Faith and wise action belong together.
Tired Builders
The pressure came from inside too. The workers said that their strength was giving out and that there was too much rubble (Nehemiah 4:10). Nehemiah gathered them and told them not to be afraid. They were to remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and to fight for their families and their homes (Nehemiah 4:14).
One Hand to Build, One to Defend
From that day those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other, and every builder wore a sword at his side (Nehemiah 4:17–18). A trumpeter stood ready, and Nehemiah told them that their God would fight for them (Nehemiah 4:20).
We are builders as well. God has given us families, a church and a community to build up. Our sword is the word of God (Ephesians 6:17), and we carry it while we work.
Pray It Through
Pray first. What criticism or opposition are you facing? Take it to God before you answer anyone.
Post a guard. Where do you need to take a practical step to protect your walk with God or your family?
Pick up the sword. Choose one verse to carry with you today, and use it when you are under pressure.
Prayer for Today
Great and awesome God, thank You that You fight for Your people. Give me strength when the rubble seems too much. Teach me to pray and to work, to build and to stand guard. Protect my family and our church family. Put Your Word in my hand and Your courage in my heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Listen and Watch
Pastor Ras shares a short message for Day 14 in the audio and video below.
Keep going
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