The Calling: Will You Obey? (Nehemiah 4:10-23)

God's character is often to put great (even seemingly impossible) ideas and desires into the hearts of His people. For Nehemiah, the great desire was to return to Judah, the city of his fathers, to rebuild and restore what had been destroyed.  He longed to see not only restoration to the city, but reconciliation between God and His chosen people.

1. God called Nehemiah to lead the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. Question: As one of God's chosen, what great desire has He put on your heart to pursue that will further His Kingdom work?

In Chapter 4 verses 10-12, as the people of Jerusalem work day and night to rebuild the city wall, they are consumed with discouragement and fear. The workers are losing strength, and the leaders get word that their enemies are plotting to attack them.

2. When the Jew's efforts were challenged and threatened, fear and discouragement set in. Question: What fears, obstacles, even lies, are preventing you from obeying God's call for your life?

It would have been easy (and understandable) if the Jews chose to surrender. Their lives were in jeopardy! If they quit building, their enemies would disperse and their lives would be spared. But instead, they put on their armor. Nehemiah 4:14 says, "After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, '"Don't be afraid of the enemy; remember The Lord, great and terrible, and take from Him courage to fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives and your homes."'

3. Rather than surrender, the Jews prepared for battle, with confidence that God was on their side. Question: Do you believe that if God puts a desire on your heart, and you find the courage to pursue His calling, that He will give you victory over the obstacles?

Verses 15 -23 show us that the enemy was overcome. In verse 15 it says, "God had frustrated their [enemy's] purpose". (How amazing that God intervened on behalf of His people!) And the remainder of the verses show us how the Jews continued to build; but this time with weapons at hand and armed men on duty both day and night. They continued the Lord's work with a watchful eye, ready for battle.

In 21st Century America, our battles may have changed, and the enemy may have a different face. But we too are called to courageously continue in the Lord's work. Ephesians 6:13-17 says, 

" Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

The truth is, when we put on the armor of God, we stand toe-to-toe with THE enemy; Satan Himself. But we are fully equipped with, what? Truth. Righteousness. The Gospel of Peace. Faith. Salvation. And the Word of God. 

Jesus wants all to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:3-4). That is the mission of the Christian church. Every one of us is called to Kingdom work. If you aren't sure what that looks like in your own life, pray that God gives you clarity, and that He breaks your heart for something that breaks His. If you are involved in some form of ministry, ask God if He is calling you deeper. Nehemiah courageously responded. 

Once you know what God is asking of you...

The question is simply: Will you obey?