ONE STONE AT A TIME
Today's reading:  Nehemiah 1-4

A quick read through the first six chapters of Nehemiah gives us an exciting account of the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall.

Quickly we are led through Nehemiah's request of the king, his travels back to the holy city and his gathering of workers.

We read of nothing but progress during chapter three where God's people work alongside each other, with a determined goal in mind.

What we don't realize in this quick, probably less than 15 minute read is that the whole project took fifty-two days.

To some of us, that sounds like a quick task, especially in a time lacking automation or power tools.

To the rest of us, it sounds like a very long time, considering our fondness to all things micro-wave able, drive-thru-able and instantaneous.

What I see is this...

We've got to continue on with what it is God's leading us to do.  No matter the length of time.  No matter the opposition.  No matter the strain it may put on our backs--and our hearts.  No matter our plans and agendas.

The Jews did this monumental task one stone at a time.

It's a lesson I needed to be reminded of as I continue doing what I believe He's asked me to do, praying for those I believe He lays on my heart and fighting the fight I am called to fight.    

One stone at a time.  One prayer at a time.  One battle at a time.  One day at a time.  One whispered thanks at a time.