Nehemiah 3-4

“The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall” (4:10). Nehemiah’s plan to gather people to rebuild Jerusalem’s wall soon met huge problems: the laborers were weary, and their enemies taunted them. Israel’s first Temple had been built with massive organization; Solomon conscripted thousands and an army defended them. Now, farmers-turned-builders worked on sections of the wall while holding weapons (4:18). Nevertheless, “the Lord, who is great and awesome”, was their Rock and true defense (4:14).

“Our God will fight for us!” (4:20). In less-than-ideal circumstances, when our weaknesses are magnified, we experience God’s mighty power on our behalf.