B U I L D

|| Right now I am working through the book of Nehemiah. I knew the basic story- how Nehemiah was burdened to build up the walls of Jerusalem, and how the kind agreed that it was a good idea, so sent him there to head it up. But since I never really focused on the little details, I was so encouraged by all the little treasures I found in this book!

"let us build up the wall..." Nehemiah 2:17b

"And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work." Nehemiah 2:18b

The people here didn't just talk about doing something, they actually got up and prepared to do something. They got themselves ready to work hard and get something accomplished. They strengthened  themselves.

How often do we conscientiously prepare ourselves to do a task? Or more often do we just come to a task and do it? How much better could be do a task if we have been preparing for it? 

Nehemiah 3:20 says that this man earnestly repaired his portion of the wall.

How often do we just do something because we "have to"? This man certainly wasn't thinking about just trying to get the job done. He did his work earnestly! He probably tried to produce his best at the fastest pace he could. 

"For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded." Nehemiah 4:18

This verse probably stuck out to me the most. These men were building. They were going about their daily business, yet they were prepared for whatever could possibly come. 

Are you going about your daily business prepared to face whatever temptations may end up coming your way?