Work and the Sword - Nehemiah 4

Pray. Work. Repeat.

And while we work……Evaluate. Sharpen. Repeat.

With one hand we are doing the work God has given us….raising children, work in our ministry, being
content where God has us, being a missionary, renewing our mind…

In the other hand, we hold a sword to fight the enemy….fear, doubt, discouragement, mistakes, sin, persecution…

The enemy is always there, and so is the work.

Our goal is to not let
the enemy stop the work.

When it seems the enemy is resting,
the working hand checks in.

Are we listening closely for new work orders?
Has the King changed His plans?
Are we resisting the King’s orders?
How is our pace?
Are we working too fast and missing details?
Are we being sluggards or allowing perfection to slow us down?
Have we maintained an eternal focus?
Are we delegating work to other eager servants?
Is it still the King’s work or has it become our work?

In the moments of reprieve,
we check our weapon.

What enemies are dulling our blade……..comparison, unbelief,
ignoring grace and mercy, self-reliance?
How is our walk with our King?
Are His commands and encouragements fresh on our minds?
Have we given the King our burden?
Are we using the right weapon, trusting our King to bring victory or are we trusting in ourselves?
What lies have we not yet replaced with the King’s Truth?
Are we seeking the King with our fellow soldiers?
Are we studying new tactics?

The enemy is always there, and so is the work.

The sword remains in our hand while our work continues with the other.

One day our work will be finished, but until then…

Pray. Work. Repeat.

And while we work……Evaluate. Sharpen. Repeat.

I must work the works of him that sent me,
while it is day: the night cometh,
when no man can work.
John 9:4

…I am doing a great work,
so that I cannot come down:
why should the work cease,
whilst I leave it, and come down to you?
Nehemiah 6:3

…be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the LORD,
and work, for I am with you, saith the LORD of hosts:
Haggai 2:4b

Let us not be weary in well doing:
for in due season we shall reap if we faint not.
Galatians 6:9

 Nehemiah 4:8-9, 13-21