A MIND TO WORK. Nehemiah 4:6 Under Nehemiah’s leadership, the Jews did not lose faith or give up when the going got rough. They knew what had to be done and faced the opposition with courage and determination. They were unified in purpose, resolute, and driven by a compelling desire to see the wall built and their homes and city made safe.
When there is something important to be done and we all agree as one, this project is to carry out God’s will. When we come together, every sister and every brother will have a part in this work. Some are strong in labor; others have gifts that favor a special part of the work they can complete. There is bound to be opposition when onlookers fear their position is in jeopardy, so they will try to defeat the work we do.
Like those in times past, set your mind to work and hold the course when you know this work is certainly of God. Those who seek to intimidate, threaten, or devise a plan to halt the work will turn back and retreat when they learn they can’t beat those who have set their minds to the work, who have no intention of quitting and won’t be found just sitting until the work they started is finished.
When people set their minds, their knowledge and intelligence; their hearts, their commitment and emotions to a work, even a difficult task can be accomplished despite obstacles and opposition. There is no need to be discouraged, for everyone can take courage when a mind to work for God is real to them.
That kind of attitude is perhaps the major ingredient for success despite the difficulties, opposition, and extremely tiring labor. When we find ourselves in hard situations, we need to review the objective and the goals we must reach, the results when the goal is reached, and the lasting benefits of putting a mighty effort into a very hard task. When we do our part with our minds and hearts, by faith we can trust God to give us the needed strength and enable us to fulfill the task He has given us.
If we watch, pray, and remain committed to the work, we will leave obstacles and opposition to the Lord. He knows the end from the beginning and can keep foes from winning the battle for the minds of those who labor. We will trust in God and not be afraid, knowing that He who has made all has blessed the work we do with divine favor. Despite dangers seen and unseen, when hearts and minds are committed to the work, the task can be completed. God intends us to be practical and to take sensible precautions against anything that tries to stop the work.