Do Not Be Afraid
BRD REFLECTIONS:
Nehemiah 6:16-19, 7:1-3 and Psalm 115 (NIV)
(Angelyn Peh, Associate Lay Leader)
READ:
Nehemiah 6:16-19, 7:1-3 (NIV)
OBSERVE & APPLY:
• DO NOT BE AFRAID
“Moreover, they kept reporting to me his good deeds and then telling him what I said. And Tobiah sent letters to intimidate me.” (Nehemiah 6:19)
From the previous chapters, we read about how the enemy used all kinds of tricks, threats and persecutions to put fear in the hearts of Nehemiah and God’s people, so that the whole work of building the wall would come to a standstill. Likewise, I am facing different challenges in the workplace. I need to constantly remind myself to remain calm and pray for wisdom to handle every task until all the work is done well.
- TRUST IN THE LORD
“When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God.” (Nehemiah 6:16)
Despite the challenges, Nehemiah was alert enough to recognize the enemy’s tricks and lead his people to victory through God.
It sounds easy to trust God in good times, but it is in difficult times that our faith will be tested. True faith needs to be tested, and the enemy’s resistance shows that we are not only doing God’s will, but also what the enemy fears. The enemy is pervasive and unscrupulous in his attempts to destroy and hinder God’s work, and therefore we must always seek God and trust in Him for victory!
- BE VIGILANT
“I said to them, ‘The gates of Jerusalem are not to be opened until the sun is hot. While the gatekeepers are still on duty, have them shut the doors and bar them. Also appoint residents of Jerusalem as guards, some at their posts and some near their own houses.’” (Nehemiah 7:3)
The first three verses of Nehemiah 7 tell of the work that followed the completion of the wall.
The gates of the city were not opened until the rising of the sun, but were shut and barred while the men were watching, meaning that they were open for a short time, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem were to keep watch over the places opposite their houses according to their shifts.
DO:
• I am reminded of these words in Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
• I will always refer to the Bible as a lamp for my feet and a light on my path. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
• I am reminded of the need to be alert in 1 Peter 5:8,“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.“ I should not take my spiritual life for granted, and need to be vigilant to be steadfast in reading His Word and His Truth.
PRAY:
Dear Lord, thank You for showing me what courage means through Nehemiah. His closeness to you and prayerfulness is what I desire. Please grant me wisdom to discern and persevere to complete every good work according to Your will. In Jesus’ most precious name, Amen.
