Thursday; February 7

          When the Old Testament Jews returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity they came back to a mess.  The city had been all but decimated during the multiple campaigns against it and no one had taken the time or had the resources to rebuild it – until a man named Nehemiah took on the challenge.  He arraigned for the supplies to be delivered and provided the leadership necessary for the project to be started.  Yet, even with the presence of the materials and workers that ensured success – the project had its share of detractors.  Opponents became angry that the work was commencing, so they mocked the quality of work being done and threatened the workers doing the work.  Yet, before long the Jews were bolstered by the success they were having.  When Nehemiah reflected on the progress he observed, “So we built the wall and the whole wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.” (Nehemiah 4:6).
          As I was reading about Nehemiah’s success I got to thinking about our modern society.  Whether it is as fellow citizens of our nation or members of the Lord’s church, we have been called to do great things.  Our nation has the potential to enhance the peace and prosperity of the world and our churches have the ability to bring spiritual peace and restoration to others.  However, there are segments of people who are tying to stop us.  There are agitators who are trying to divide our nation and our communities as they promote their own self-centered agendas.  There are irreligious influences that are trying to discourage Christians and revert our focus from the task at hand.  While there are some very real challenges to accomplishing our goals there is really only one simple question, “Do we have a mind to work?”.  Yes, there are distractions and detractors, but at the end of the day it is the workers that either do or don’t accomplish the task.
          Let’s be committed to our work and our willingness to work together.  When we do, we can make progress no matter what “they” say.
          Think About It!

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