This article was originally run in the Peterborough Proclaimer, edited by Peter McPherson. Jeremy is now worshipping and working with the Lord's church here in Kingston.

Recently, Brother McPherson preached on Nehemiah’s petition to restore the faithful Israelites to Jerusalem. He noted that while God answered the supplication He did not exclude human instrumentality. Despite God’s providence, Nehemiah arduously labored to rebuild the wall. At times the situation demanded that Nehemiah and his workers carry weaponry as often as they carried tools in case of an attack.

Today, although our situation differs greatly from Nehemiah’s, we also have an agenda we wish to fulfill; that all men would come to repentance through the gospel of Jesus Christ. This task God gave to us, preferring human instruments to direct intervention, to carry out His will. We understand how difficult a job teaching all nations can be. The ‘Great Commission’ daily meets opponents; sincere and insincere individuals who have been subjugated to the devil’s will. Immorality and false doctrine run rampant in modern society. Let us not grow weary of doing good though or throw up our hands and declare, ‘how hopeless a task You have set before us God’. Instead, let us turn our attention to the story of Nehemiah. How did God help Nehemiah and how much did Nehemiah’s diligence influence end results? Likewise, how does God help us now to convert others and what do we contribute?

First, how did the wall in Jerusalem get rebuilt? Simply put, God did it. He answered Nehemiah’s prayer on His terms and with His provisions; without God the first brick would have toppled over!! Consequently, brethren, let’s never forget the power to convert, to exhort, to teach, to do anything for God’s will is in His holy word. God called each Christian by the gospel, “the sword of the Spirit”, and He will summon all responsive persons in the same manner. That sword no honest, worthy, heart can resist for, “the word of God is living and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the divisions of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Heb. 4:12). Therefore, God having provided your means of victory, draw your sword, and fight the good fight.

Finally, God would not have rebuilt the wall had Nehemiah never asked. Nehemiah’s consistency and initiative motivated God to execute His will. Likewise, today, the sword of the Spirit must be wielded by trained soldiers to be effective. God wills His kingdom to overflow but we must subdue the enemy as Nehemiah resisted his. Where do we get this training? Spiritual exercise. Through daily prayer, Bible study whether in a private or public setting, participating in the worship service, telling our friends and relatives about Christ even if we stumble over words, sweat profusely, and make fools of ourselves initially trying. As Nehemiah struggled for God so must we because the wall won’t build itself.

Click here for this week's Answering The Atheist
Does God respect anyone? Some verses say that God has respect for some people (Gen 4:4; Ex 2:25; Lev 26:9; 2 Kgs 13:23; Ps 138:6), but other verses say that God respects no one (Deut 10:17; 2 Chr 19:7; Ac 10:34; Ro 2:11; Gal 2:6; Eph 6:9; Col 3:25; 1 Pe 1:17). Is there a contradiction?