In Nehemiah, chapter six, verse three, the people of God must have a vision of the greatness for the work to which He calls them. Even though our task or contribution as individuals may seem small and inconsequential, corporately, as God’s people, we are “doing a great work.” Nehemiah was resolute in the objective of rebuilding the wall. He would not be distracted by friends, or foes, until the completion of the work fulfilled. Great vision coupled with unwavering faith achieves the realization of God’s purpose in our lives and our generation.
Let those who are tempted to idle merry meetings by vain companions, thus answer the temptation, We have work to do, and must not neglect it. We must never suffer ourselves to be overcome, by repeated urgency, to do anything sinful or imprudent; but when attacked with the same temptation, must resist it with the same reason and resolution. It is common for that which is desired only by the malicious, to be falsely represented by them as desired by the many. But Nehemiah knew what they aimed, he not only denied that such things were true, but that they were reported; he was better known than to be thus suspected. We must never omit any known duty for fear it should be misconstrued; but, while we keep a good conscience, let us trust God with our good name. God’s people, though loaded with reproach, have not fallen so low in reputation as some would have them thought to be. Nehemiah lifted his heart to Heaven in a short prayer. When, in our Christian work and warfare, we enter upon any service or conflict, this is a good prayer, I have such a duty to do, such a temptation to grapple with; now, therefore, O God, strengthen my hands. Every temptation to draw us from duty should quicken us the more to duty.