NEHEMIAH 4:7-9

But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the people of Ashdod heard that the repairs to Jerusalem’s walls had gone ahead and that the gaps were being closed, they were very angry. They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it. But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.

TO PONDER

Doing the right thing, in other words doing the will of God, often draws opposition. There are plenty of people who do not want to hear the message of hope that Jesus offers, some of them are happy enough to just ignore Christians, others can get quite direct and aggressive.

Nehemiah encountered that kind of opposition while he worked at rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Those who didn't want the walls rebuilt worked to discredit Nehemiah, to sabotage his work plans and undermine his authority. His response in almost every situation is to down tools, pray to God and then put the situation in His hands.

Yet often we do fail to act when an injustice is done or a fridge door is left open or a toilet seat left up, preferring to whinge and moan about the problem rather than do something about it. God is inviting you today to step out of the shadows and get involved in the work he has four the church do do. And whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God the Father. Amen

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, you say all power and authority in heaven and on earth has been given to you and you send us out as your people with that same power and authority. Help me to trust that you are at work through me and my life. Please help me to see today all the places I should be making a stand. Amen

Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle