God Will Prosper Us
Nehemiah 2:18, 20
18 And I told them of the hand of my God which had been good upon me, and also of the king’s words that he had spoken to me. So they said, “Let us rise up and build.” Then they set their hands to this good work. 20 So I answered them, and said to them, “The God of heaven Himself will prosper us; therefore we, His servants will arise and build.
The people said yes, they were willing to go to work. They could have chosen not to rise up and build. Their situation had been a disastrous situation and the temple walls had been in ruins for almost 100 years. And now Nehemiah, the cupbearer, rides into town, moves around and accesses the damage and needed repair under the cover of darkness, and comes up with a plan to fix it and all the people are all in. They possibly could have denied the need for the walls to be repaired. They could have responded that the walls had been this way and they were all ok, and well, we do have the temple. How like we, as humans many times, will rationalize the challenges God puts in our lives. Well, I’ve gotten along this far in life. Why do I need to go further in my studies? Why do I need to fix up my home? Why do I need to get help with this physical challenge? I’ve gotten by with things the way they are thus far. Yet, our verse tells us they rose up and were ready to build. They said yes to the challenge. They might have seen the project as too much work. “It’s good for you Nehemiah. Have at it! We hope all goes well for you, but we can’t help just now.” Empty excuses filled with self-made lies. They might have seen the opposition that was all around them as too strong. “Nehemiah, it’s just plain useless to start this work because the last time, those enemies all around us stopped us.” Yet God’s hand was at work here. God had filled Nehemiah’s heart with this vision, and he had prayed and God had given him a boldness, a big vision, his strength and wisdom which would be fully rewarded. Two enemies who rose against them as they worked were Sanballat and Tobias who came to jeer the workers as they worked. “What is this thing that you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?” Trust me, you will always have your naysayers and know-it-alls to tell you what you are doing wrong and why bother. Don’t listen to them. Don’t pay any time and attention to them. Step back from them and ascertain what they are accomplishing with their lives. You will see it will probably add up to nothing. Keep the vision and goal God has placed in your heart alive and burning. Overcome every obstacle in the strength of the Lord. Remember, He is for you and with His help you will conquer all.
What about you? Like Nehemiah, what is burning in your heart? Remember, God has a plan to prosper you and not to harm you. Keep moving forward no matter what may come your way. God has a pathway of hope and prosperity for you. Trust the Lord fully today. He is on your side! Blessing on all of your day!
