What role does faith play in achieving God's work, as seen in Nehemiah 6:16? Setting the Scene “When all our enemies heard this, and all the surrounding nations saw it, they lost their confidence, for they realized that this work had been accomplished by our God.” Faith on Display in Nehemiah’s Story • Nehemiah prayed first (Nehemiah 1:4–11), then moved in confidence, trusting God’s promise to restore His people (Isaiah 44:26). • Opposition came from every side—mockery (4:1–3), threats (4:7–8), deception (6:1–9)—yet faith held the people steady. • Completion of the wall in fifty-two days (6:15) was so remarkable that even unbelieving neighbors had to admit, “this work had been accomplished by our God.” Faith made God’s involvement unmistakable. How Faith Fuelled the Work 1. Faith hears God’s call and says yes. − Nehemiah believed God would honor His word to rebuild Jerusalem (Jeremiah 29:10–14). 2. Faith prays and plans simultaneously. − “We prayed… and posted a guard” (4:9). Trust never cancels diligent action; it energizes it. 3. Faith perseveres under pressure. − Taunts, intimidation, and internal discouragement could not derail people who were convinced God was with them (4:14). 4. Faith credits God for every success. − When the wall was finished, the people didn’t boast in their skill; they pointed to God as the decisive worker (6:16). 5. Faith turns enemies into eyewitnesses. − Skeptics became involuntary evangelists, confessing, “God did it.” Faith turns human opposition into divine advertisement. What This Teaches Us Today • God’s work is achieved through ordinary people whose confidence rests in His power, not their own. • Visible results—lives changed, ministries built, families restored—flow from invisible trust (Hebrews 11:1). • Persistent faith exposes schemes meant to paralyze us; it answers slander with progress (6:9 “But now, my God, strengthen my hands”). • Success that springs from faith directs all glory to God, safeguarding us from pride (Psalm 115:1). • Genuine faith never fails to reach completion because God Himself guarantees the outcome (Philippians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:24). Additional Passages that Echo the Same Truth • Hebrews 11:6: “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” • Mark 11:22–24: Jesus links effective prayer and mountain-moving results to faith. • 1 Corinthians 15:58: Faith in the resurrection makes kingdom labor “not in vain.” • Ephesians 2:10: We are “created in Christ Jesus for good works… prepared beforehand.” Faith steps into those prepared works with assurance. |
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