Vulnerability

Vulnerability

MY QUESTION for GOD

When am I especially vulnerable in my work?

A MOMENT with GOD

Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies found out that I had finished rebuilding the wall and that no gaps remained—though we had not yet set up the doors in the gates. So Sanballat and Geshem sent a message asking me to meet them. . . . But I realized they were plotting to harm me, so I replied by sending this message to them: “I am engaged in a great work, so I can’t come. Why should I stop working to come and meet with you?” Four times they sent the same message. . . . It said: “There is a rumor among the surrounding nations, and Geshem tells me it is true, that you and the Jews are planning to rebel and that is why you are building the wall. . . . You can be very sure that this report will get back to the king. . . .” I replied, “There is no truth in any part of your story. You are making up the whole thing.” They were just trying to intimidate us, imagining that they could discourage us and stop the work. So I continued the work with even greater determination.

Nehemiah 6:1-9

While you must be vigilant at all times, the first and final stages of an endeavor are especially vulnerable points. Jesus’ greatest temptations came in the wilderness right as his ministry began (see Luke 4:1-13) and in the garden of Gethsemane just hours before he faced the cross (see Luke 22:39-46). At the point in Nehemiah’s story described in the verses above, Jerusalem’s walls were almost complete. If the people had taken the attitude, “We’re as good as done, we can take it easy,” they might have been caught by surprise by the fresh onslaught of false charges and intimidation from their enemies. If you relax too soon, it will result in misfortune. Start strong and push hard to the finish with energy and purpose to ensure that your work will withstand any pressures.

DIVINE PROMISE

LET’S NOT GET TIRED OF DOING WHAT IS GOOD. AT JUST THE RIGHT TIME WE WILL REAP A HARVEST OF BLESSING IF WE DON’T GIVE UP.

Galatians 6:9