5.8 Nehemiah 3-4

Chiedu Okonmah

5.8.2020

Nehemiah 3-4

In today’s reading, God’s people continue to build the wall around Jerusalem. Chapter 3 goes into detail about everyone and their role in the building. The bible describes it as people being next to each other and working together to build the wall. Chapter 4 focuses on the enemies of the Israelites and how they were trying to oppose the building. Their enemies tried to plot against the Israelites, but the Israelites inquired of God and prayed about the situation and took action. After their enemies heard of the Israelites being wary of their plans and God stopping them, the Israelites continued to build while protecting themselves.

A key verse from these chapters is Nehemiah 4: 7-9, which says:

“But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the people of Ashdod heard that the repairs to Jerusalem’s walls had gone ahead and that the gaps were being closed, they were very angry. They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it. But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.”

I chose this scripture because it made me think about the power, effectiveness, and importance of prayer. When the Israelites were plotted against by their enemies, the first thing they did was pray to God and rely on His guidance. This makes me think about my prayer life. I need to remember to come to God about all parts of my life. If I am struggling with anything, I need to remember that God wants me to rely on Him and trust in Him, but I can only build that kind of relationship if I am praying to and seeking Him. Through this quarantine, I’ve been given time to reflect and pray to God so I need to take advantage of an opportunity to grow closer to and build a stronger relationship with God.