Nehemiah 3 & 4 -- When You're Up To Your Elbows In Alligators ...

Some people just can’t stand to see others accomplishing something.  Nehemiah had gotten a lot of leaders involved in rebuilding the walls around Jerusalem.  The high priest himself was the first one mentioned.  Governors to goldsmiths got busy sorting whole bricks out of the rubble piles and mixing mortar.  For the most part, people got along while working on the project.  Only one mention was made of any rebellious attitudes – leaders from Tekoa wouldn’t work under their supervisors.

While some worked on the portions of the wall closest to their own homes (a seemingly natural response), others gladly tackled areas in less desirable neighborhoods (this would seem to indicate selflessness). 

Non-Jews very much disliked the thought of Jerusalem being rebuilt, and they resorted to threats and ridicule, trying to break the spirit of the workers.

Years ago, the vacant lot next to what would a few years later become our church’s youth building was a downtown eyesore.  It was unkempt, and weeds grew four feet tall.  Several of us saw what could be, and we worked up a plan to turn it into a downtown park.  As work began, volunteers showed up and the work continued to progress.  Yet there were those who, for no reason other than a desire to be a spoiler, would bad-mouth the project, even calling it “sanctimonious”.  We wanted to improve the area for everyone’s sake.  They just wanted to raise a fuss and cause trouble.  We didn’t quit.  The park is still there, and the troublemakers are gone.  I know how Nehemiah felt.

One little blurb from the sidebar in my bible stood out today:  “We are all going to have pain, but misery is optional.  We can decide how we will react to the pain that inevitably comes to us all.”

Father, this sure is great timing on Your part.  I needed a reminder that misery is optional.  When the rubble gets too deep, or the detractors get too vocal, remind me of that and encourage me.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford