Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work. Nehemiah 2:17-18 NIV
The people living in Jerusalem had an overwhelming task before them, but they realized how important it was to rebuild the wall, so they were eager to get started. As we follow God and work to build His kingdom, we too, are often faced with overwhelming tasks. In those times, it’s an incredible blessing to be surrounded by people who understand the importance of the work, who operate in a spirit of cooperation and unity, and are eager to accomplish the “good work” God has placed before them!
Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests went to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and set its doors in place, building as far as the Tower of the Hundred, which they dedicated, and as far as the Tower of Hananel. The men of Jericho built the adjoining section, and Zakkur son of Imri built next to them.… and thus begins Nehemiah chapter 3.
Nehemiah 3 continues with 32 verses and names those who worked side by side till the wall was complete. If you read it you’ll see people from all walks of life, servants as well rulers, male and female, locals and those who came from a distance, all focused on the “good work!”
For the people worked with all their heart. Nehemiah 4:6b NIV
Was it easy work? No! The task was great and the enemy constantly harassed them!
“The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall.” Nehemiah 4:10 NIV
But the people never gave up! They worked hard, and they worked together! They sought the Lord and brought every difficult moment before Him in prayer!
So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days. When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God. Nehemiah 6:15-16 NIV
What ever “good work” the Lord has placed before you, determine to work in a spirit of cooperation with those who share the same task. Unity honors and pleases the Lord! Cover every detail in prayer and work with all your heart. One day, when the work is complete, you too, will be able to look back and realize the work had been done with the help of our God!