22/11/2014 - A MIND TO WORK

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So we built the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work. Nehemiah 4.6

Life (God’s nature) and death (the devil’s nature) are always before us. The choices we make determine the kind of person we will be. Many times, we must hold on to our opportunities, or else we will have nothing in the end. When Nehemiah, King Artaxerxes’ cupbearer, heard that those that stayed in Jerusalem after the Jews were taken captive were in great misery, he was saddened and prayed.

When he arrived at the Holy City, Nehemiah soon faced opposition. As a God-fearing man, he prayed, and the Lord gave him people to help rebuild the wall of the city. As they went to work, the Most High moved their hearts so that the mission would be accomplished. Undoubtedly, He does the same nowadays. It does not matter what mission is entrusted to us, for God only needs our obedience. If the mission belongs to the Father, it will be done according to His will.

The threats did not cease. Every time, someone would arrive with some bad news. It is the same with all of those who are in the field seeking to accomplish the divine plan. We do not know how many gave up obeying the Most High. However, a greater number remained steadfast, and so the wall came to half its height. The devil continues using people like Sanballat, Tobiah, and other jealous men to hinder us from accomplishing the divine order.

When the Tabernacle was being built in the desert, the Lord instructed Moses to seek talented men in various occupations in order to build His house. There were craftsmen that made gold, silver, precious stones, there were carpenters, woodworkers, masons, people that knew how to use leather, cloth, and combination of colors. The image of the Tabernacle had been shown to Moses so that he would do it as he had seen; and so he did it.

The Lord could have said: “let there be a Tabernacle”, and the most perfect one would have been created. However, He wanted to use men to build His house. The same happens today with the preaching of the Gospel. God will not send a dream tonight so that everyone repents. He will use us to accomplish His plan. In some countries, brothers and sisters are killed because of the Christian message, yet it will be spread to everyone.

God has given us abilities, talents, gifts, and power to imagine and to fulfill our dreams. Today is our day of honor, the moment for us to start working with our hands and obey the divine purpose. If you are already saved, you know what the Most High has separated for you to accomplish. Therefore, do not be hesitant and do not abandon the boat when persecution comes. The Lord is in command and will not allow one hair to fall from your head.

What a privilege those people had! They participated in the rebuilding of the walls of beloved Jerusalem. Our privilege is even greater, for we are not building a physical house, but participating in the building of God’s Kingdom. May your name be registered in the history of the people of God, for the Lord’s glory!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares