And it happened, when our enemies heard that it was known to us, and that God had brought their plot to nothing, that all of us returned to the wall, everyone to his work. So it was, from that time on, that half of my servants worked at construction, while the other half held the spears, the shields, the bows, and wore armor; and the leaders were behind all the house of Judah. Those who built on the wall, and those who carried burdens, loaded themselves so that with one hand they worked at construction, and with the other held a weapon. Every one of the builders had his sword girded at his side as he built. And the one who sounded the trumpet was beside me.
Observation: It didn't matter what lengths had to be gone to--the work would go on. Can you imagine one-handed bricklaying or masonry work? Yeah.
Application: Our day and culture prizes optimization highly. Highly. We want to do things in the easiest, most smooth, effortless ways. There should be machines to do nearly everything we need, right? And then there's God's way. The way that gets so, soooo much messier before it gets cleaner. The way that strips everything away until nothing is left but Him, and He sets us free.
Prayer: Lord, let me work for You, in Your way. Not in mine. I'm pretty fond of my own ideas (as I'm sure You've noticed!), but Yours are so, so much better. Over and over lately, I've watched the wreckage of my plans for my day become the most perfect fulfillment of Yours--and I rejoice in it. :o) Glory to You, Father, and to Jesus . . . and let peace reign in my heart as I practice the exuberant art of loving You, and the peace-filled discipline of resting in your joy. In Jesus' most glorious and wonderful name, amen. :o)
Application: Our day and culture prizes optimization highly. Highly. We want to do things in the easiest, most smooth, effortless ways. There should be machines to do nearly everything we need, right? And then there's God's way. The way that gets so, soooo much messier before it gets cleaner. The way that strips everything away until nothing is left but Him, and He sets us free.
Prayer: Lord, let me work for You, in Your way. Not in mine. I'm pretty fond of my own ideas (as I'm sure You've noticed!), but Yours are so, so much better. Over and over lately, I've watched the wreckage of my plans for my day become the most perfect fulfillment of Yours--and I rejoice in it. :o) Glory to You, Father, and to Jesus . . . and let peace reign in my heart as I practice the exuberant art of loving You, and the peace-filled discipline of resting in your joy. In Jesus' most glorious and wonderful name, amen. :o)
