Nehemiah 4:21-23 “We worked early and late, from sunrise to sunset.And half the men were always on guard.I also told everyone living outside the walls to move in Jerusalem.That way they and their servants could go on guard duty at night as well as work during the day.During this time, none of us- not I, nor my relatives, nor my servants, or the guards who were with me- ever took off our clothes.We carried our weapons with us at all times, even when we went for water.”
Observation
God's work is hard work.Repairing the wall in Jerusalem was difficult especially with their enemies making death threats.They worked hard all day. In addition to building the wall they had to take a turn standing guard.Nehemiah worked so hard he never took his clothes off.He carried his weapon even when he went for water.He carried his weapon and the bucket of water back to his room.This was hard labor.This was back breaking work.
Application
We believe in the Holy Spirit and that He helps us in our work but that does not take the place of a work ethic.Ministry is hard work.Teaching children and youth takes effort.Shepherding people can be tiresome.Leading a church is work.We work hard doing a lot of things.People even play hard but our best efforts should go to what is eternal.Building the kingdom of God takes hard work.When Jesus saw the people he had compassion on them and prayed that God would send workers.He knew that the harvest would take people who were willing to work.He needed laborers.I must work hard at the ministry God has given me.
Prayer
God do not let me be lazy or lackadaisical in my ministry.I want to be faithful.I want to take my ministry seriously and work hard at it.Don’t let me be satisfied with minimal effort.I want to go the extra mile.The fields are ready for harvest.I want to be a laborer in the field.
