Walking in Your Purpose and Assignment With FocusIhe Nhụchatụ

Day 3: Standing Firm in Your Assignment

As we continue our journey of standing firm in God's assignments, a powerful biblical example perfectly illustrates our message—the story of Nehemiah. If you're not familiar with his story, Nehemiah was a cupbearer to the king who received God's calling to rebuild the Jerusalem walls. Throughout his mission, he faced relentless opposition yet remained steadfast.

Although Nehemiah chapters 1-5 are full of profound revelations, we begin to witness a confrontation and a beautiful conclusion when we get to chapter 6 of Nehemiah. I love this chapter! It's the part that breathes life beyond these pages and into our everyday reality. This chapter reveals how our authority in guarding our assignment is critical while simultaneously showing us how deeply involved our God is in the entire process. Nehemiah openly acknowledges real challenges, boldly exposes hidden agendas, and ultimately allows us to witness a tremendous victory as he completes rebuilding the Jerusalem wall.

Yes, the enemy tried everything—lies, fear, intimidation—to derail the vital work Nehemiah was doing. Yet Nehemiah's response was threefold and powerful:

• To continue the work with even greater determination than before

• To pray specifically that God would address the actions of His enemies

• To complete the work with excellence and integrity

And do you know what set all these responses in motion? One simple yet profound declaration that Nehemiah spoke to those opposing him: "I am engaged in a great work, so I can't come down."

Those words have literally transformed my life in ways I can hardly describe. And when applied to the specific work that God has called you to complete, my heartfelt prayer is that they will transform yours, too. There's something so powerful about recognizing the importance of your divine assignment and refusing to be pulled away from it—no matter what distractions come your way today, I want to remind you that “You’re doing great work, so you can’t come down!”

Today's scripture readings are a little longer, but I want to encourage not to skip them because tomorrow will build on the passages of scripture you read today.