They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.” But I prayed, “Now strengthen my hands.”
Nehemiah 6:9
The Christian walk is not an easy one. Just because it’s the right path, doesn’t mean it will be a smooth one. It’s usually the path with the most potholes, treacherous rocks, and snaggly weeds that try to trip us up. It’s the one that requires expert mountain-climbing skills to make it over the many mountains we find in our way. We don’t choose this path for its ease or for the breathtaking scenery. We choose it because of where it leads. We choose it because of who walks with us. And we choose it because it’s the one that is well-lit by the very light of Christ Himself.
Nehemiah had a seemingly impossible job to do. Israelites were returning to Jerusalem to rebuild the city and their lives there, but the walls and gates of Jerusalem were in a state of disrepair. Nehemiah heard about this, he prayed about it, and with the king’s blessing and resources, he went to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls. He faced opposition from those who didn’t want a wall around their city, and Nehemiah could have given up. He could have listened to those who were insulting, intimidating, and trying to discourage him from doing the work. He could have complained about all the obstacles in his way. He could have thrown up his hands and walked away. But rather than throwing UP his hands, he prayed for the Lord to strengthen them.
Like Nehemiah, you may face what feels like countless obstacles in your path. Changing your path, taking easier tasks or ministries or assignments, or just walking away would certainly remove a burden from your life. But sometimes removing the burdens also removes the blessings. Wherever you are feeling opposition, wherever there are those who want to knock down what God has allowed you to build, don’t forget that the strength and ability to do God’s work doesn’t come from you. It comes from your God who will strengthen you and equip you for every task, just like He did for Nehemiah who, by the way, finished the wall in 52 days!!! Don’t just tell God about the mountains in your way. Tell your mountains about your God who created your path, walks with you, and lights your way. You are loved!