Nehemiah 4:15
“Now when our enemies heard that it was known to us, and that God had frustrated their plan, then all of us returned to the wall, each on to his work.”
There was a formidable force against the jews. They were the powers that be in the land. They seemed like playground bullies. The people were intimidated. Nehemiah had a plan and set them up defensively. The news got back to their enemies that their plans were known to the Jews and that God frustrated their plan, they returned to their work.
I love the phrase, “God had frustrated their plan”. That’s what He does for His children. Does that mean all goes well for us and that the enemies plans always fail? No.
I feel I’m coming out of a year and a half drought in which my enemies succeeded. Their gossip and manipulation was damaging. It was very frustrating. Very much playground bullying. I prayed that it would turn out one way. It didn’t.
However, I sense a turn. It feels a little like the sun rising. I’m at the beginning, so I can’t say that it will continue to do so. But I do have today’s scripture. I know that God won’t abandon me. Hopefully it will continue according to this pattern.
God gives another promise about all the times we face, even the bad. “And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose”, (Romans 8:28). Love it. I have leaned on this one many times. Hopefully my present situation will turn around. If not, He will use it some how and He will be glorified and I won’t be ashamed.
Psalm 25:3 gives that promise, “Surely none who wait for You will be put to shame, but those who are faithless without cause will be disgraced.” Thank You, Lord. I know You will work it out for my good and that I won’t be ashamed. Will it be this circumstance or another, we’ll see.
What’s important is that we walk according to His ways and obey His voice. This took a few years to figure out. I grew up in a church that stressed sacrifice. I coudn’t do enough. My conscience was punishing. Then I learned about God’s love and grace. He wasn’t pushing me in all those directions. It was my misunderstanding and the devil who kept me in a state of condemnation.
As we read His Word we are to follow it. At times He will give us a prompting to do this or that. We obey and He blesses. As we do that He will frustrate the enemies plans and do good things. He will use us to spread His Kingdom. Thank You, Lord.