I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you? Nehemiah 6:3. Nehemiah was chosen by God because he was willing to cooperate with the Lord as a restorer…. When he saw wrong principles being acted upon, he did not stand by as an onlooker, and by his silence give consent. He did not leave the people to conclude that he was standing on the wrong side. He took a firm, unyielding stand for the right.
Every device that the prince of darkness can suggest will be employed to induce God’s servants to form a confederacy with the agents of Satan…. Like Nehemiah, they should steadfastly reply, “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down.” God’s workers may safely keep on with their work, letting their efforts refute the falsehoods that malice may coin for their injury. Like the builders on the walls of Jerusalem they must refuse to be diverted from their work by threats or mockery….
As the time of the end draws near, Satan’s temptations will be brought to bear with greater power upon God’s workers. He will employ human agents to mock and revile those who “build the wall.” But should the builders come down to meet the attacks of their foes, this would but retard the work. They should endeavor to defeat the purposes of their adversaries, but they should not allow anything to call them from their work. Truth is stronger than error, and right will prevail over wrong…. In Nehemiah’s firm devotion to the work of God, and his equally firm reliance on God, lay the reason of the failure of his enemies to draw him into their power. The soul that is indolent falls an easy prey to temptation; but in the life that has a noble aim, an absorbing purpose, evil finds little foothold….
God has provided divine assistance for all the emergencies to which our human resources are unequal. He gives the Holy Spirit to help in every strait, to strengthen our hope and assurance, to illuminate our minds and purify our hearts. He provides opportunities and opens channels of working. If His people are watching the indications of His providence, and are ready to co-operate with Him, they will see mighty results.
Conflict and Courage p. 268
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Prayer Requests
—–I am asking for prayer for a good friends daughter Danielle who is an addict. She is being enabled by a much older man. Her health is getting worse because of the drugs. Her daughter has been taken away and has not seen her mother in a very long time. Pray that God will intervene. Julie
—–I would like prayer for the family of my step nephew who has just died in a tragic falling accident. Johanna
—–My prayer request is for my dad, his health is not good and I don’t know how much longer he will be with us. Also pray for my fiance Virginia, her eyes have turned orange and she is going to the doctor, I’m worried about her. Jacob
—–Please pray for Christian’s family. This young man, who loved the Lord with all his heart, passed away today. Becky
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Dear Friends,
When my great-grandmother, Ada Stanton Austin, married Winfield Scott Harmon, she had high hopes for a happy life. It was not long, however, before she realized that the man she had married was far different from what he had appeared to be. He was exacting and abusive and made every aspect of her life difficult.
When my grandfather was born, she looked forward to the time when her husband was at work and she and her baby were alone, She got such comfort in cuddling her little one. He gave her so much joy as he smiled and cooed and made baby noises. She thrilled at each development from babyhood to childhood and reveled in the special bond that was between this firstborn son and herself.
As Edwin grew, her joy was tinged with sorrow. He was even more exacting and abusive with him. Her husband would not allow her little one to laugh or to sing or to speak unless spoken to. Ada’s heart broke as she stood helplessly by watching the daily beatings he and his little brother received at their father’s hand . She did not dare step between them, as by this time, her spirit had been broken and she had learned silent submission.
Her anguish knew no bounds as her ten year old son put his arms around her and told her that he could stand the beatings no longer. He was running away. He kissed her and promised that he would occasionally sneak home to see her. Tears streaming down her cheeks, she watched her joy and sunshine walk down the road and disappear from sight.
How she prayed for this run-away boy. How her heart went with him as he wandered the countryside eating wild edibles and whatever fish he could catch. She still had six-year-old Harold, but he could never replace Edwin. Over the years, he kept his promise and returned to see her. He could not stay more than a few minutes for fear that his father would come home from work and discover that he was there, but he always returned whenever his wanderings brought him back to that area.
Ada watched her son turn from God because of the abusiveness of her husband who had an outward show of religion. Now her heartbreak turned to deep anguish. Her tears mingled with her prayers day and night. A glimmer of hope grew in her heart as he married a church-going woman and began to attend church with her just to please this new wife.
Our Loving Father in Heaven’s anguish for Edwin far exceeded her own. Tenderly He worked year after year upon his wounded heart and spirit. Lovingly He led and guided him even though Ed was only “playing church” to please his wife. About ten years after his mother’s death, her many years of praying for this wayward son were answered. One day, Edwin, at the age of 48, returned to the Lord wholeheartedly. He returned to the great truths his mother had taught him from God’s Holy Word.
Oh the mighty power of a mother’s prayer! Through the eye of faith she enters into the very presence of God, bringing her requests to her Only Helper. How our Great Redeemer loves to answer a mother’s pleas for her children. Indeed, His Great Heart of Love yearns over her children even more than does she, for His love for them is far greater than is hers. He assures and promises each praying mother, “Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the LORD, and they shall come again from the land of the enemy.” “I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.” Jer 31:16, Isa 49:25
May we be diligent to press our petitions to the Throne of Grace. May we never give up no matter how hopeless it seems. May we daily bring our children before their Creator and Redeemer, the Great King of the Universe, the Almighty, Who gave His life for them, Who loves them with an everlasting love, who will draw them to Himself through His lovingkindness. Amen!
Rose