Restart: Stepping Out in FaithSample

MAINTAINING A CHAIN OF COMMAND

Realizing that the various work on the wall separated the people physically, Nehemiah devised a plan that would allow the workers to form an instant coalition should any one group be attacked. Like a good strategist, the plan was thought out beforehand and the people were apprised they should listen for the sound of the trumpet. Again, Nehemiah gives God total credit for what has transpired so far. He assures the people that God would help them fight.

Would such a word calm their fears? Certainly! They had seen how God had granted Nehemiah favor with the king, how he withstood the taunts and ridicule of the enemy, and how, as a man of prayer he went to God with every difficulty they faced. Now, the sound of the trumpet would be a sign that God would, once more, help them.

In your personal life, who is your first line of defense when you are faced with a problem? Have you ever proved that God comes to your rescue when you call on him? Do you ever doubt that God will come through for you? What erases those doubts?

Nehemiah sees God as commander-in-chief as the people struggle to get the wall built. Why was Nehemiah so confident that God would help them?

Pray for groups in your community who may face ridicule and bias attacks because of race or sexual orientation. Pray for those leaders and lay people in your church who remain determined to uphold God’s commands in the face of opposition. Pray: God, let me come to you first in everything I attempt. Secure victory for me, especially when I am trying to help those who are in need of a helping hand.