I began writing this yesterday and finished it this morning. We got back after midnight from our vacation/cruise and I didn’t make my 3:30 “gettin’ up time.” I made 6:30 but then had to hitch a ride to the office since I parked my truck there while gone. We had our house painted and rather than take a chance on overspray I left it parked at the church lot. Jo was not about to get up that early so I hitched a ride. 🙂 So yesterday became a day of catch-up. Here are my thoughts on these two days.
My title for this devotion is Fear vs Being Ready
The significance of the date does not escape me. 9/11. I can remember what I was doing and where I was at the time I first heard of the attack on the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and the downed airplane in the field. That is the day everything changed for the United States. And it could be said for the world. An act of cowardice changed a nation of security and assurance into one of fear (one of their goals). A nation willing to give itself in service to other needy countries suddenly had to focus on its own borders and within its own borders.
I use that in relation to my reading in Nehemiah. Nehemiah returned-with the blessing of the king-to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls around Jerusalem. Almost from the beginning he and his workers suffered opposition. I’m shortening the story but it came to the point where half the people worked while the other half stayed ready with swords, shields, bows, and coats of mail. (4:16) Sounds like fear…but its not. It’s called readiness. There is nothing wrong with being prepared and ready to do battle. The U.S. has had to take that approach. Not live in fear (although some do), but live in a state of wariness and readiness. (I know. I just traveled by air and ship). “Lest we forget” is a familiar slogan used to remind us of past events; it is a good one to use. We dare not let our guard down. Nehemiah realized the importance of working and watching. Of vigilance. We would do well to do the same.
“Father, help me to not live in fear, but to live in a state of readiness. I don’t have to fear my enemy. I have You. Nehemiah 4:15 says, ‘You had frustrated their plan.’ You can do that to my enemy also. Help me to work, but also to be ready for anything my enemy throws my way.”
Glad you’re home, Bill! Hope you had a great time!
Thanks Glynn. It is good to be home.
Welcome back, Bill!!! Hope you all had a fantastic trip.
Yes, may we be ready for anything that might come our way; living in fear is not living at all.
Blessings!
Thanks Martha. We had a fantastic time. Lots of memories. Agreed on living in fear.
Good point. After all, it’s not the Garden anymore and the enemies of the true God and freedom will never stop until He stops them. May we be ready spiritually first, and physically second.
Welcome back!
I can’t argue with what you say Floyd. We must indeed be ready on all fronts. And thanks.
Yes, Amen!