Building with Tools and Weapons

When opposition rose against the rebuilding of Jerusalem, Nehemiah’s workers did not abandon the wall. Some carried materials with one hand and held a weapon with the other; the builders worked with swords at their sides (Nehemiah 4:17–18). They remained alert to danger while continuing the work they had been given.

I believe this is a picture for the church in 5787. We cannot become so occupied with spiritual opposition that we stop building. Neither can we become so busy building that we neglect prayer and discernment. The sword and the tool have different purposes, and we need both.

For us, the sword is not a call to fight people. Our struggle is spiritual (Ephesians 6:12). We stand in prayer, grounded in God’s Word. At the same time, we use the tools He has placed in our hands: teaching, serving, encouraging, restoring trust, and sharing the gospel. Intercession should strengthen the work, and the work should give purpose to our intercession.

Notice that Nehemiah’s people were building something specific. They knew which wall needed attention. In the same way, understanding the times must help us recognize what God is asking us to build now. We can exhaust ourselves defending yesterday’s work while neglecting today’s assignment.

Apply this to your life. A parent may need to pray over a child while also making time to listen. A pastor may need to intercede for a congregation while developing its leaders. A business owner may need to pray for wisdom while repairing a strained partnership or changing a failing process. Ask yourself: What am I called to protect, and what am I called to build? Do not let one responsibility silence the other.