Building And Battling

Scripture Text: "They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon." Nehemiah 4:17 (KJV)

Image credit Freepik

Unlike God's Kingdom where peace is eternal, we live in a world where true peace is not handed to us; it must be pursued and defended.

Life does not guarantee a place called "peace", those who desire peace must be prepared for battle.

As believers, God calls us to a life where building and battling happen side by side.

In Nehemiah’s days, as the Israelites rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem, they worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other.

Their reality mirrors ours: as we build our lives, families, ministries, and destinies, we must also be prepared to contend for our faith amidst opposition.

The world we live in is increasingly troubled, with wars, moral decay, economic uncertainties, and spiritual warfare intensifying.

Yet, God has not called us to shrink back but to stand firm, building diligently while battling fiercely in the Spirit.

Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers..."

We must understand that our battles are not physical but spiritual, requiring perseverance, discernment, and unwavering faith.

"Peace" is not the absence of war but the presence of Christ in the midst of storms.

Jesus said, "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33, KJV)

Building demands vision, commitment, and sacrifice. Battling demands courage, faith, and resilience.

We cannot abandon either assignment, we must do both.

So, even in these present challenging times, we keep building our lives on Christ the solid Rock and battling in prayer, worship, truth, and righteous living.

Victory is assured, for "Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world." (1 John 4:4, KJV)

Stay at your post. Build with one hand. Fight with the other. God is with you!

POINTS OF REFLECTION

1. What are you currently building in your life for God’s glory?

2. In what areas must you strengthen your battle stance spiritually?

3. How can you balance building your future and battling present challenges with faith and wisdom?

PRAYER KEY POINTS

Father, IJN: Strengthen my hands for the work You have given me, and me to build with excellence and fight with faith.

Father, IJN: Teach me to discern the enemy’s schemes and to stand firm, fully equipped with Your armor.

Father, IJN: Let Your peace rule in my heart even as I face battles, and me to keep building in hope and battling in victory, knowing that You are with me.

COMMIT TO MEMORY

"Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight." Psalm 144:1 (KJV)

ASSIGNMENT

Identify one area of your life where you are building something for God's Kingdom.

Commit to daily prayer over that area, asking God to equip you both to build wisely and battle victoriously.

Journal your progress and the victories God gives you during this season.

Victory belongs to those who do not quit: keep building, keep battling, for the Lord is with you.