City Life Starter

Written by Paul Lane

The Word

“So we built the wall and the whole wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.”

Nehemiah 4:6

But I said, “Should a man like me flee…”

Nehemiah 6:11

Exegesis

Uncertainty should not be a surprise to us.  There is always uncertainty.  This morning, if you had a detailed plan to accomplishing somethings, you probably could not say with a lot of certainty that it would turn out exactly as you planned it.  So often, even the simplest plans are changed as they are being executed.  Still, having a plan is an excellent way to boost your confidence.  The truth is, we usually have a plan, but we just have not given voice to it.  Planning to sit on the couch, binge watch TV (e.g. WandaVision), and munching potato chips until it is time for bed is a plan.  It is not a very good one, but it is a plan.

Now suppose you woke up today with no plan and no idea of what you wanted to accomplish.  You could either take some time to put together a plan, or you could just decide to take the day as it comes.  If you take the second option, you will find yourself simply reacting to everything that happens, and you would have no rational reason to expect any particular outcome.  If no force is applied to the rudder, the boat is adrift.  However, it is the firm hand on the rudder that guide the boat to port.

Nehemiah started his journey with a deep desire to do a certain thing, and it turns out that his singleness of vision made the difference in getting the job done.  When he went to King Artaxerxes, he was able to ask for something specific.  Even more important, when Artaxerxes said yes to his request, it was an answer to a prayer he had prayed to God.  When he surveyed Jerusalem and the people there, he could see that the work could be complete.  So, he was able to operate with confidence in his authority, in his resources, and in his plan.

When opposition came it was easy for Nehemiah to identify distractions. Sanballat’s invitation was clearly not going to help him complete the work. I love it that he says, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down.” (Nehemiah 6:3) What could Sanballat say? “No you are not. I’ve got something better.”

Application

Take a moment and consider your day.  Is there a specific work that God has laid on your heart?  Are there things that are a distraction for accomplishing this plan?  Simplify your day to its essence and do that.  You’ll find your heart lighter and you pace faster.

Prayer

Dear Lord, I pray that you take this day in your hands. Teach me your plan and show me the things that I must do today, that I might accomplish them with excellence. And Lord, give me the discipling to stay on task and to see it accomplished to the end. In Jesus’ name, amen.