I am impressed by the sensitivity to and devotion for God that made Nehemiah so tenaciously seek to do each thing God put before him to do.

He wasn’t too, too important, too busy, too apathetic.

He wept when he got the news that the wall of Jerusalem was broken down and its gates burned, and despite the fact he held a respected office in the country of Babylon, he returned to help Jerusalem in time of great need.

Armed with letters that would provide protection and materials, he set out to rebuild walls out of the rubble. He was able to convince God’s people it could be done because “the gracious hand of God” was upon Nehemiah and his project.

Even though prominent men of the area mocked and ridiculed them, the walls began to take shape.

Nehemiah encouraged them to build even when they themselves thought their strength was not great enough for the task.

When the wall “reached half its height, for the people did work “with all their heart,“ evil men plotted to come and fight and stir up trouble, but still Nehemiah would not be discouraged.

Instead he divided his working force in half. One half would build, the other half, “equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor”(4:16), would guard those who worked. Nehemiah encouraged them continually, reminding them that “Our God will fight for us”(4:20)!

Nehemiah’s passion extended beyond the building of the wall.

He helped the poor, giving them back their possessions and forbidding usury to be charged against them.

He also restored the law, and even after he returned to his post in Babylon, he revisited Jerusalem to take care of abuse in the “house of God” and remind the people of how they were once again betraying their God.

It seems like whatever he could do for God, he did, no matter what it took. I thank God for such a man and find an important prayer to pray within his story.

Dear Lord, help me know what you want me to do and then help me remember that your gracious hand is upon me, helping me overcome any kind of opposition, including myself, in order to do it!