A Fight Fed by Hope

Please welcome Kelsey Bacon to Daily Bible Blast. Kelsey will be writing each Thursday's devotion. She brings a young adult perspective to these daily reflections on God's Word and His love for each of us. 

Nehemiah 4:6-23

We hear all the time that Advent is a season of hope. Christmas is exciting, joyful, a time to celebrate. At first glance, this Nehemiah passage might not seem joyful and exciting. The Jews were having a rough time of rebuilding their city. They had adversaries who came against them. They felt like they had to be on the defense constantly. I bet they feared for their lives and the lives of their loved ones. But reread this passage, and pay attention to the hope. Pay attention to verses like verse 9, “But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat,” and verse 15, “When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to our own work.” Nehemiah is telling the story of his people’s battle against their enemy, and how God was on their side.

In a season of hope and joy, the battle of the world still rages on. The enemy still tries to sneak in and attack. Sometimes it can feel, especially around this time of year, that everything is working against you. When we feel this way, we have to remember that God is on our side. And remember also that he equips us to fight back.

Nehemiah’s people worked with their tools in one hand and their weapons in the other. They were always ready to combat their enemy. God, through Christ, gives us the power to combat the enemy. Our weapons are prayer, Christian fellowship, his Word. Our weapons are quiet time with the Lord in a crazy busy season. Our weapons are kindness and generosity to those in need. This is a fight fed by hope—hope that God is doing his good and righteous work in our world, rebuilding brokenness.

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14.

Reflection:

What redeeming work is God doing in your life right now?

What lies might the enemy be telling you to try and disrupt God’s work in you and how is God equipping you to stand up and fight in hope?

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Timely Advice

1 Peter 5:8-9 (NIV)  Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 

While reading 1 Peter 5 I was reminded of an advice columnist. As a teen, when reading the newspaper, I would turn to Dear Abby first. Reading of someone else's troubles was comforting, helped me feel like I wasn't alone. I would read to see what life was like for other folks, to see if perhaps my problems would be addressed and then I could benefit from Dear Abby's wisdom without having to spill the beans myself.

Verses 8 and 9 of Chapter 5 contain some very good advice. Peter is reminding those around him back in his time and even us today that we have an enemy, Satan, and he is a force to reckon with. Be self-controlled and alert is good counsel in so many ways.  It is wise to pray for self-control and also for eyes to see any trouble lying in wait.

When the devil acts like a roaring lion, we can spot him easier than when is disguised as a 'friend'. The best way to be alert to danger that lurks around the next corner is to be armed and dangerous ourselves. Every day it is imperative we spend time putting on that armor, donning the protective gear God has provided.

Ephesians 6:10-11 (NIV) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.

Putting on the Armor of God isn't just words, it requires action.  When attack is eminent, and injury probable, we have the duty to be prepared.  Read through Ephesians 6:10-18, better yet, listen here and then mentally dress for battle.  The garb for battle includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit.

With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. (Ephesians 6:18)


1 Peter 5