Lord, I love the book of Nehemiah. Every chapter is so rich with application to my life today. Chapter 3 reminded me of the beauty when the body of Christ all works together. And the destruction when we do not. It feels like so much of Christianity today in the US is about fighting each other instead of working shoulder to shoulder. And this grieves me. Admittedly, the issues that seem to separate us aren’t easy to solve. But can’t we still show love and support?

Chapter 4 is just as rich. The remnant is now working hard, side by side, and showing great courage. But the enemy still threatens them. The surrounding peoples are looking for a way to intimidate the Israelites so they won’t complete their work.

But Nehemiah and the leaders encourage their people, saying, “Don’t be afraid. Remember the great and awe-inspiring Lord, and fight for your countrymen, your sons, daughters, wives and homes.” (v. 14)

The enemies draw back and the Israelites keep working, with one caveat. I love what is written: “When our enemies heard that we knew their scheme and that God had frustrated it, every one of us returned to his own work on the wall. From that day on, half of my men did the work while the other half held spears, shields, bows, and armor. The officers supported all the people of Judah who were rebuilding the wall…” (vv. 15-16)

Again, Lord, so many images come to mind of the body of Christ working together. I think of all of our prayer warriors back home who fight for us on their knees. They call to You to protect us and our work. How often throughout these 35 years of ministry have You calmed my heart because I knew that others were holding the spears and shields as we worked on building the walls of Your kingdom.

And in this passage, it’s split half and half—half are building and half are guarding and protecting. No one is singled out as better than the other. And you don’t hear the guys doing the back-breaking physical labor complaining, “Hey, Nehemiah, um, those guys are just hanging out with their spears, doing nothing, while we’re doing all the work.”

Nope. Each does his job, and each job is important. 

Paul and I are not somehow elevated in the body of Christ because we’re involved in mission work. Oh, how we know that we wouldn’t have been able to continue this work if it weren’t for so many others who hold us up in prayer.

But then I come to my favorite part of this chapter:  “The laborers who carried the loads worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other. Each of the builders had his sword strapped around his waist while he was building…” (vv. 17-18)

A sword and a trowel. 

What a beautiful image of our life in Christ. We do the work He has called us to do, all the while very much aware of the enemy who is waiting to attack us.

Yes, I’ve been over-the-top grateful for those precious prayer warriors who hold us up in prayer. How often have their words of encouragement come at exactly the right time when I was discouraged and ready to give up the fight.

But I don’t simply rely on the prayers of others. Lord, You’ve given us weapons with which to arm ourselves. You detail them in Ephesians 6:10-18—a belt, shoes, a shield, a helmet, a sword. Not only do You tell us what the weapons are, but You give explicit instructions about how to use them.

Throughout my life, I’ve been in training for the war, Lord. For many years, when the enemy hurled his flaming arrows at me, I was too slow to brandish my shield of faith. I forgot to put on my helmet of salvation, and instead of my feet being sandaled and ready to defend the Gospel of peace, I’d try to flee those arrows, turning my back and getting hit anyway.

But You are a God who not only equips and instructs us but also patiently teaches us how to us our armor. 

Daily You equip me for the battle through spiritual disciplines that help me connect with You and resist the enemy: Scripture reading and meditation on Your Word, prayer, confession, worship, walks to breathe out worry and breathe in Your peace…

The Israelites had wise Nehemiah explain to them the battle plan. The story continues: “The trumpeter was beside me. Then I said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people: ‘The work is enormous and spread out, and we are separated far from one another along the wall. Wherever you hear the trumpet sound, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us!” (vv. 18-20)

Admittedly, the Israelites had to take extra precautions for a very specific and time-sensitive task. Nehemiah told them exactly what to do. They would rally and watch God fight for them. And in our lives sometimes the battles we face are especially fierce. Or we’re facing a wonderful opportunity for the Gospel, and we know we’re going to be under attack.

Lord, You’ve been faithful to up my ‘battle plan’ when I’m tempted with a besetting sin or when I’m fighting depression or when I’ve got a particularly challenging ministry ahead. Sanctification comes as I trust You to fight for me and as You keep expanding my armory to fight the good fight with Your beautiful weapons of love, peace, hope, courage, and perseverance, along with my sword and my trowel. 

Because when that trumpet sounds, I want to be ready.

I’d love to hear what is in your armory and how you use your sword and your trowel.