Good morning. When there is a godly project, something that needs doing but is not going to be easy, there are always a variety of voices wanting to be heard. It is critical that God’s people learn to listen to the right voice(s) and tune out others.
When we read the books of Ezra and Nehemiah they speak of a great and godly work that needed to be done. Previously, God’s people had rebelled against Him, had refused to listen to Him and wouldn’t follow Him. So, God allowed them to face the consequences of their choices. He allowed His people to be overcome by enemies, and He allowed the holy city of Jerusalem to fall into complete ruin. But, in accordance with His promises, as spoken by His prophets such as Isaiah and others, when the time was right God called His people back to the promised land to rebuild. A BIG task!
There were many voices that wanted to be heard regarding the job that needed doing. These are all from
Nehemiah 4.
The voice of angry dissidence: When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became angry and was greatly incensed. He ridiculed the Jews,and in the presence of his associates and the army of Samaria, he said, “What are those feeble Jews doing? Will they restore their wall? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they finish in a day? Can they bring the stones back to life from those heaps of rubble—burned as they are?” 1-2
The voice of derision: Tobiah the Ammonite, who was at his side, said, “What they are building—even a fox climbing up on it would break down their wall of stones!” 3
The voice of concern: Hear us, our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads. Give them over as plunder in a land of captivity. 4
The voice of doubt: Meanwhile, the people in Judah said, “The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall.” 10
The voice of the enemy: Also our enemies said, “Before they know it or see us, we will be right there among them and will kill them and put an end to the work.” 11
The voice of fear: Then the Jews who lived near them came and told us ten times over, “Wherever you turn, they will attack us.” 12
And yes, there was the voice of faith: After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.” 14
If it is your intention to work for the Lord today, you will hear many voices. Many of them will be of the “can’t be done” nature. But listen for the voice of God for He will speak to you through someone. It will be a “trust me and get ‘er done” kind of voice.
Vern