SCRIPTURE: Nehemiah 4
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
When our enemies heard that we knew of their plans and that God had frustrated them, we all returned to our work on the wall. But from then on, only half my men worked while the other half stood guard with spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail. The leaders stationed themselves behind the people of Judah who were building the wall. The labourers carried on their work with one hand supporting their load and one hand holding a weapon. All the builders had a sword belted to their side. The trumpeter stayed with me to sound the alarm. [Nehemiah 4:15-18]
Is there a war raging around us, even as we commit ourselves to working with Jesus in His Kingdom project?
Do we need to be on guard against the schemes and devices of our Enemy – you better believe it!
Today’s reading from Nehemiah shows us the dangers and risks associated with rebuilding Jerusalem.
Yes, they had permission from the king of Babylon; but the king was far away and the enemy was living right next door to them, taunting and mocking and threatening them.
Though God was on their side, they still worked with diligence and wariness; they were on guard, armed and ready to fight the good fight if necessary.

A brother will betray his brother to death, a father will betray his own child, and children will rebel against their parents and cause them to be killed. And everyone will hate you because you are my followers. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. [Mark 13:12-13]
And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert! [Mark 13:33]
Jesus is giving instructions about what life will be like after He leaves; His followers will face many challenges and risks, their lives will be threatened and in danger.
Jesus urges them to stand firm until the end, and to stay alert and on guard – more than once!
This is an often repeated statement by Jesus because He knows the kind of battle that rages around His cause.
He is aware the kind of threats and attacks that He will endure, and also His followers.
Be on guard, stay alert, endure to the end!

The more I think about it, the more I realize how I am under attack each day, both as a Jesus follower and as a church leader.
Things happen every day to distract, discourage or defeat me – big things, little things, lots of things.
The Enemy is Satan, but he works in a multitude of disguises, he is a master of disguises!
Sometimes it will be something that I feel inside, other times its something that someone says to me; other times it is a setback in a plan, or a personal problem that someone on the team is going through, or a family tragedy.
At this point my life has not been threatened, but within I often feel my life being beaten down.
Satan’s most effective work in me, is in me; he knows how to make me feel, he knows how to discourage or distract me – and this happens every day.
This is happening to you too, if you are committed to Jesus kingdom restoration project.
When observing all the personal and community struggles we have been experiencing as a church community, someone said that its a sign that we are doing the Lord’s work – Satan targets those who are doing something good for God.
I guess this reinforces what Jesus warns us about; and it reminds us – and me – that we need to be alert, armed in the Lord and His Spirit, working on guard, and persevering no matter what.
The one who endures to the end will be saved.

PRAYER:
Lord, the battle rages within me, and around me. Help me, like Peter, to take my eyes off of the storm that surrounds me, and to focus on You, the Master of the storm!