Nehemiah was permitted to return to Jerusalem to help rebuild the walls of the city. When he assessed the situation, he saw the difficulties that needed to be overcome but trusted that God would be with them.
He told the leaders of the people, “You see the bad situation we are in, that Jerusalem is desolate and its gates burned by fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem so that we will no longer be a reproach” (Nehemiah 2:17).
Yet he wanted them to understand that his plan was not based upon wishful thinking. There was good reason to believe their efforts would be successful. He explained to them “how the hand of…God had been favorable to [him],” along with the help promised by the king (Nehemiah 2:18). Upon hearing this, the leaders said, “Let us arise and build,” and they began the work.
Today, we have many reasons to be discouraged as we consider the work we have to do for the Lord. Yet we should not allow difficult circumstances, previous losses, or outside opposition to paralyze us in fear. Instead, we should recognize the goodness of God and the promises He has given us, and then focus on diligently carrying out the work before us.
So let us arise and build. God has given us a “good work” to do (Nehemiah 2:18; cf. Ephesians 2:10). Let us put our trust in Him as we labor according to His will.