As a warrior

…Each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked. (Neh 4:18)

Imagine these builders, sweat dropping off bulging muscles, stopping for long drinks of water, working to rebuild the walls of their city. Without those walls, the people were vulnerable to attack and vulnerable to being absorbed by the people on the outside.

The builders were dedicated. Motivated by Nehemiah’s inspired leadership, they were working together to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. But with the building came the attacks and threats. Rumors swirled of bandits gathering to harass and pillage.

So they worked with a sword at their side, ready to do battle. Can’t you see the image of a builder and a warrior? Wearing the same skin, clothed in the same uniform, standing strong for their duty.

Today, we are so often builders, too. We may be building a family, a business, a career, a ministry, a dream. Are we so dedicated? Attacks are guaranteed. It isn’t easy to move ahead. Sometimes our vision of excellent threatens others. Sometimes our own friends and family may not understand.

That was the same issue for the builders of the wall of Jerusalem. They responded with determination – and preparation. They carried a sword.

How about you? Are you building? Do you have a vision of something bigger than yourself? Are you willing to carry a sword to protect the image?

And what is your sword? Well, what was theirs?

Nehemiah told his followers:

"Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes." Neh 4:14

Remember the Lord. Fight in his name.

These builders labored on. And notice what happened to their enemies:

When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to his own work. Neh 4:15

God frustrated the plot.

Be ready to fight. Be ready to trust God. Be ready to return to the wall and work.

Are you a builder with a sword?