TOO BUSY

Today's reading: Nehemiah 5-9

"When Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies found out that I had finished rebuilding the wall and that no gaps remained-though we had not yet hung the doors in the gates-Sanballat and Geshem sent me a message asking me to meet them at one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But I realized they were plotting to harm me, so I replied by sending this message to them: I am doing a great work! I cannot stop to come and meet with you." Nehemiah 6:1-3 NLT

What an example Nehemiah sets for us in these three verses!

One, he was busy doing what God asked.

Two, he knew exactly who his enemies were.

Three, he chose to give them a fitting reply.

I believe those are steps we can use in the traps our enemy sets for us.

Firstly, be busy doing what God has called you to do. Small task or large. Noticed or not. When you have help and when you are going it alone. Just be busy.

Secondly, expect push back. Know, without a doubt, that when doing God's work, Satan will not be pleased. Do not be surprised by temptations, disappointments and distractions. As a matter of fact, plan for them.

Thirdly, prepare your response. Practice it in your head. Plan for worst-case-scenarios and execute your plan. Use Bible verses to strengthen your resolve. Choose an option such as picking up your Bible when the temptation to be lured into your enemy's trap comes up. Let Satan know you are not and will not listen to him!

No, most of us will not be given the ministry of building a wall, but we all have been created for a purpose by God and will only live our fullest lives when we are working at those purposes.

Satan won't like it, he won't like it one bit!