Nehemiah’s enemies had made another failed attempt to stop the work on the wall, but Nehemiah was not deterred. Nehemiah was able to return to work in confidence because his enemies knew that they were defeated; but one thing had changed after this last attempt, they no longer worked unarmed. They had realized that in order to finish building, they could not trust that there would be any rest from attacks.
Nehemiah knew that he could not protect the wall alone, so he called in armed guards, and he even armed families in the town. Verse 17 even said that, “Those who built the wall and those who bore burdens loaded themselves so that everyone worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other hand.” That was exhausting work, but they were not alone. He and the others spread out along the wall as they continued building; simultaneously working and protecting. He and the others returned to building the wall, side by side. They would not give up on what they had believed for so passionately; and rather than giving in, they worked harder.
We know that we cannot do things alone, but we also know that we should not share all of our situation with others who won’t support our stand. What Nehemiah had, and what we need, are prayer warriors. While the people that protected the wall in Nehemiah’s time were actually guarding it with weapons, from physical attack, in our lives, we must have people in our lives willing to stand on the promises and the word with us. We must have friends and pastors who are willing to stand side by side with us in this battle, with a tool in one (emotional, physical, worldly support), and a weapon in the other (prayer). Over and over in chapter 4, we see calls to action to the town people, the leaders, the workers, to rally around and be prepared for battle. We are to be on our knees, but we cannot fight alone! You must seek out people who are willing to “In whatever place you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.” (Vs 20) We must have a community of like-minded people at the ready to fast and pray over the protection and wholeness of our wall.
Self-Reflection
Do you have at least one person in your life who would pray with you and for you over your marriage?
If you do not, can you think of someone who you could share with who would be willing to do so?