Nehemiah 4

“Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses.” (Nehemiah 4:14, NKJV)

Nehemiah and the Jews of Jerusalem had a great task before them. It was hard enough to rebuild the wall with rubble for materials. But on top of that they had to deal with constant threats from the enemy. They were vulnerable, and they knew it. As Nehemiah exemplifies a good leader in preparation, communication, and execution, he also models the spirit of a mighty warrior. How did he do it?

1. Nehemiah began with prayer. Sanballat and Tobiah were flying into a rage, hurling every conceivable insult at the Jews. But how did Nehemiah respond?

“Hear, O our God, for we are despised. Turn back their taunt on their own heads and give them up to be plundered in a land where they are captives.” (Nehemiah 4:4, ESV)

If we are walking with God, then prayer is our greatest weapon against our adversary, the devil.

2. Nehemiah set an armed guard day and night. The enemy stepped up their opposition from insults to threats. They conspired to attack and create confusion. Nehemiah was spiritual and practical. These are not opposed to each other but find harmony in divine wisdom. It is possible to be so spiritually minded that we do no practical good. Jesus was not like that. He was anointed by the Spirit and did more earthly good than any other person who ever lived.

3. Nehemiah encouraged the people. The Jews were terrified. Ten times they warned Nehemiah that the enemy would attack them from every direction. Nehemiah didn’t discount their fears. Instead, he equipped families with swords, spears and bows and posted them behind the lowest points of the wall. Then he encouraged them to remember the Lord who is great and awesome. He would help them fight hard to save their sons, daughters, wives and homes.

We may or may not fight an enemy that we can see, but we most certainly fight an enemy that we cannot see. We must pray diligently, do our best to meet the practical needs, and encourage others who may be afraid. As God is a Man of war, so He desires that His children be mighty men and women of valor against Satan. He calls us to destroy the devil’s works and set his captive free. May the Lord help us remember that He is great and awesome and fight bravely to save our loved ones and lost ones.