The wall was nearly complete, and Nehemiah's enemies were getting desperate. Five times Sanballat and Geshem tried to lure Nehemiah out of the city. No doubt, it was to cause him harm. Sanballat even sent an aide with a false report of how Nehemiah and the Jews were planning to revolt and make Nehemiah their king. However, Nehemiah's discernment kept the work on track. He realized that their enemies were trying to frighten them so they would get discouraged and abandon the work. Nehemiah turned to the Lord and prayed "Now strengthen my hands." We need such discernment in our day as well. Our enemy, the devil, is a liar and he works to sow discouragement in our hearts as we serve God. Like Nehemiah, we must turn to God and pray for strength to finish the good work he has called us to do.

Shemaiah asked for Nehemiah to meet him inside the temple so Nehemiah could hide from the enemies that were trying to kill him. Hiding in the temple would have been a sin, and Nehemiah would have been discredited. Nehemiah realized that Shemaiah was not sent by God but hired by his enemies. He did not fall for the temptation and left the matter of his enemies to the Lord. The wall was completed in 52 days, and everyone realized that it was through the help of God.


Application: Father, grant us wisdom and discernment.
One Word: Lord, strengthen our hands