Daily Devotional – Saturday, December 18, 2021
I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?
Nehemiah 6:3 (NKJV)
Nehemiah had taken time off his work at the palace in Shushan to lead and coordinate rebuilding of the Jerusalem City wall. The enemies of Judah were disappointed with the progress of the project.
They hatched a plot to stop the noble work. Sanballat and Geshem, leaders of the surrounding tribes, sent this message to Nehemiah: “Come, let us meet together among the villages in the plain of Ono.” (Nehemiah 6:2).
Nehemiah knew the two enemies of the Jews wanted to harm him, hoping this would halt the rebuilding project. He declined the invitation and sent his enemies a powerful message.
I am Doing a Great Work
“I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?” (Nehemiah 6:3). In other words, “What I am doing requires my undivided attention. You will not distract me with unimportant issues.”
Nehemiah further narrates, “But they sent me this message four times, and I answered them in the same manner.” (Nehemiah 6:4). What followed was a threatening letter and a plan to lure the leader to a room in the temple where his enemies would kill him.
Why did Nehemiah Remain Focused?
Nehemiah knew the project was very important for the Jews. The great leader knew that God had called him to coordinate the project. Nehemiah was confident that God was with His people and would protect them against the enemy.
He was not ignorant of the devil’s strategies to derail and stop the rebuilding of the wall. No amount of threats, intimidation, trickery and other distractions could dissuade him from the work of God.
Like Nehemiah, we have an important project to work on – our salvation. We also must invite others to the kingdom of God. Satan will use all kinds of trickery and threats to discourage and stop us.
Beware of Distractions
When our enemies, family members, friends and others, directly or indirectly attempt to distract us, we must tell them with finality, “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?”
In addition to salvation, which other projects has gone assigned you? Which distractions is Satan placing in your path? Will you remain focused on the task?
Almighty Father, help me remain focused on my salvation and the other projects you have placed in my hands.
