Nehemiah 4:22-23, "...Let every one with his servant lodge within Jerusalem, that in the night they may be a guard to us, and labour on the day. 23So neither I, nor my brethren, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard which followed me, none of us put off our clothes, saving that every one put them off for washing."

The Jews who were attempting to rebuild the walls and gates of Jerusalem faced opposition from a great number of adversaries (Nehemiah 4:7-8). This opposition required extra effort and planning to be brought to the task at hand. Sometimes we find ourselves in a place of great difficulty and the same thing must happen. Prayerfulness, extra effort, and planning are necessary to accomplish the task. Notice the plan presented by Nehemiah for the people:

• Prayer was an integral part of the work (4:9). Anything we do should be bathed in prayer. Our greatest successes will be realized as a result of fervent prayer.

• The plan of Nehemiah was followed by everyone who participated. Planning and cooperation are vital to accomplish great things for God.

• No one was allowed to leave Jerusalem. They had to be available and prepared to guard against any attempts by the enemy to overthrow them. This speaks of the sacrifice that everyone put forth in order to accomplish the task.

• They worked overtime. They labored during the day, and performed guard duty during the night. They were so determined in what they were doing that they didn't even take off their clothes except to wash them.

This formula for success needs to be implemented and followed in our day. The enemies of the cross of Christ are real, and the adversaries are numerous. As a body of believers it is important that we follow the plan (the Great Commission), we pray for the fulfillment of that plan and the blessing of God upon our efforts. And finally that we work diligently to see people saved for the glory of God.

Whatever we do, we need to be like the people of Nehemiah's day. "So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work."

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

QUESTIONS TO PONDER

1. When did you last face a situation that required an extra level of urgency?

2. Where you willing to go above and beyond to get the job done? Describe what you did?

3. What do you think of Nehemiah’s plan? Would you hop on board to help? How would you do so?