Pray About It, Then Get Busy

Pray About it, Then Get Busy
Based on Nehemiah Chapter 4

When Sanballat heard - that we were rebuilding the wall,
he became angry - and was greatly furious.
He ridiculed the Jews, in the presence of his friends,
"What are they doing?” - “Tell me, I’m curious”!

Will they even - try to offer sacrifices?
Can they possibly - finish the wall in one day?
Can they bring the stones - back to life –
from those heaps of rubble -- burned away?

Hear us, O our God, for we are despised.
Turn their insults - back on their own heads.
Give them over - -as ill-gotten gains –
into a land of captivity – the kind an enemy dreads.

Please do not cover up – any of their guilt –o
r blot out their sins – away from your sight ...
for they throw insults - in the face of the builders,
who will continue to work, day and night.

The people worked - with all of their heart.
and we rebuilt the wall – to half of its height.
But when Sanballat & friends, heard of this,
They were angry - and plotted to fight.

But we prayed to our God - to post an angel,
day and night - to meet this threat.
Meanwhile, the people - in Judah - said,
the laborers are weak – we worry & fret.

Therefore, I stationed - some of the people –
behind the lowest points - along the wall,
at the exposed places, posting them by families,
with their swords, spears and bows and all.

After I looked things over, I stood up and said –
to the nobles, the officials and all of the rest …
"Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord,
who is great and awesome, will help us fight best!"

By: Debra S. Higginbotham
January 15, 2002 - Tuesday