Sunday, May 31, 2009

Power in Numbers

This Morning, I was reading in Nehemiah about some happenings during the rebuilding of the wall. I noticed an interesting part that reminded me about the strength of families and groups that have one goal; standing together against the enemy.
Nehemiah 4:10-15 (New International Version)
10 “Meanwhile, the people in Judah said, "The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall."
11 Also our enemies said, "Before they know it or see us, we will be right there among them and will kill them and put an end to the work."
12 Then the Jews who lived near them came and told us ten times over, "Wherever you turn, they will attack us."
13 Therefore I stationed some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places, posting
them by families, with their swords, spears and bows. 14 After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, "Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes."
15 When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to his own work.”

What a strong leader! Nehemiah helped these people work through something they feared. Puttting them together in units, (namely family units) to collectively fight against the enemy and save their homes. God blessed these people and frustrated the enemy who than retreated, the people returned to the work of the wall.
So much can be learned in this small portion of a bigger story. Sometimes our own portions of work need to be put on hold to band together to save the “whole family”. Whatever your “whole family” may be. I ask myself ,do I notice when a friend or sister needs strength in numbers? Am I willing to lay down my “stuff” for a bit and come to the aide of this need?
Hopefully this will encourage you too!
~Caroline

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