In Nehemiah 4, the building of the wall was threatened by a jealous enemy. The building was going well because "the people had a heart to work". Gentlemen, like them we have to build our homes with a heart to work. My family needs to be defended from a jealous enemy, and if I don't defend them, who will? Nehemiah recorded that when the threat arose, "we prayed to our God, and because of them we set up a guard against them day and night." Pray for your family! In the strength and wisdom of the Lord, set up a guard against evil. The Devil wants desperately to destroy our families. But, God has spoken. He has no intention of letting us fall. However, fear still oppressed the people of Israel. Nehemiah wrote: "When I saw their fear, I rose and spoke to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people: 'Do not be afraid of them; remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses.'"
From then on the workers worked with tools in one hand and weapons in the other. These men were ready to fight for their brothers, sons, daughters, wives and houses. Are we? Have we heeded the Word of the Lord, or have we exchanged the truth of God for the lie? Even if we have failed, the Lord still calls to us: "Come on back". When was the last time that you wore your Sword? Are your muscles accustomed to its weight? Is it sharp. You and I received it from men and women who went before us who lived by it, who were well-acquainted with its use. Let the enemy never find us soft and untrained. Fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses!