Nehemiah 6:15-19: a reflection

15So the wall was finished in the twenty-fifth day of Elul, in fifty-two days. 16When all our enemies heard of it, all the nations that were around us were afraid, and they lost their confidence; for they perceived that this work was done by our God. 17Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah’s letters came to them. 18For there were many in Judah sworn to him because he was the son-in-law of Shecaniah the son of Arah; and his son Jehohanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah as wife. 19Also they spoke of his good deeds before me, and reported my words to him. Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear.

Against every obstacle, ridicule, threats, plots, and constant intimidation, the wall of Jerusalem is finished in just fifty-two days. And when their enemies hear of it, they are dismayed, because they perceive that this work had been done with the help of Israel's God. The very speed and success of the project testify to something beyond human effort. What opposition had tried so hard to stop was completed, and the credit goes to God.

The passage is honest that the opposition did not simply vanish. Even after the wall is done, Nehemiah notes that Tobiah kept sending letters to intimidate him, and that some of the nobles were entangled with him. Finishing the work did not end all the pressure. But the wall stood, a visible testimony that God's purpose had prevailed despite the noise of those trying to derail it. Perseverance, sustained by God, had carried the work to completion.

Whatever good work God has given you, you may face the same mix Nehemiah did: real opposition, discouraging voices, pressure that does not fully let up even when you make progress. Take heart from this finished wall. God is able to bring his work through to completion despite the opposition, and when it is done, others will see that it was his doing. Keep building. Do not let the letters of intimidation stop you, and trust God to finish what he has called you to begin.

Lord, against ridicule and threats the wall was finished in fifty-two days, and everyone saw that the work was yours. When I face opposition in the good work you have given me, help me to keep building and not to be stopped by voices of intimidation. Bring your work through to completion, and let it stand as a testimony that you were the one who did it. Amen.