Scripture
Nehemiah 6:3,8
“I sent messengers to them with this reply: “I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?”
“…I sent him this reply: “Nothing like what you are saying is happening. You are just making it up out of your head.”
Observation
Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem were trying to derail Nehemiah’s mission to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. They tried to distract him from the work, and he remained focused on the mission. They tried to intimidate him by starting false rumors which would cause division between him and the king. He responded by calling them out on their lie, and boldly speaking the truth.
He continued the mission, and he let God worry about the things which were out of his control.
Application
God has given me a mission. He has opened doors for me to step through, and empowered me to do the things to which he has called me. I know the enemy will not sit back and idly watch God’s plans being accomplished without putting up a fight, so I need to be prepared for the challenges that will arise. The enemy will attempt to distract me with urgent but unproductive (and possibly harmful) tasks. I must stay focused on the mission! If the distraction fails, the enemy will try using drama, accusations, and rumors to pull me off course. I must live a life above reproach with the help of God, and then let Him fight my battles and be my defense. God’s truth dispels lies, and His integrity brings an end to rumors.
Prayer
God, thank you for leading and guiding me step by step. Help me to keep my eyes on you, and not allow myself to become distracted from the things to which you have called me. Help me to see the difference between the “necessary” and the “urgent”, and not allow my life to be ruled by urgently meaningless tasks.
Help me to live with integrity, so that when the enemy’s accusations come against me I could stand firm on your truth, shine your light to expose deceit, and let You be my defense.
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