So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?”         

~ Nehemiah 6:3

We all have a place in God’s kingdom work. A place that only we can fill. It’s true that God doesn’t need us, but He chooses to use us. And since you are unique, the way He chooses to use you will be unique to you.

The enemy hates when God’s work is being done. He will devise all sorts of schemes to throw us off track. He will intimidate, create fear, cause chaos. You name it, he will find a way to use it to distract us from our mission.

Nehemiah, a cupbearer to the King, had a mission to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. As the people worked toward the goal of rebuilding, they were ridiculed, threatened and harassed. The enemy did what they could to stop the rebuilding and cause fear to grow in the hearts and minds of the people.

Nehemiah does not cower to the fear. Do you know what he does? He picks up his weapon, he gives weapons to the others, and they continue to build with their weapons at hand. And when the enemy tries to turn sweet and kind and entice them to stop, Nehemiah tells them he cannot stop. He is doing a great work and cannot come down!

How often do we find ourselves living in fear, afraid to step out in faith because of others? How often does the enemy come across sweetly, giving us something good to go after so we will leave the best, God’s mission for us, alone?

Decide that today you will live by faith, continue on your mission, and not come down. Remind the enemy that you are doing, “a good work” and cannot stop. Take up your weapon, the Word of God, and remind the enemy who you serve. Surround yourself with others in the work and encourage one another. And repeat the words of Nehemiah to the enemy as often as you must, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?”

I’m praying for you! Do the work and don’t come down!