“So we built the wall. And all the wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work. But when Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabs and the Ammonites and the Ashdodites heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem was going forward and that the breaches were beginning to be closed, they were very angry. And they all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and to cause confusion in it. And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night.” ––Nehemiah 4:6-9, 13

While I was praying for our Shine the Light campaign recently, Ezra and Nehemiah came to mind. In rereading many of the passages, I was specifically led to the rebuilding of the temple in Ezra and the restoring of Jerusalem’s walls and gates in Nehemiah.

Though Ezra and Nehemiah accomplished the assignments God gave them, both faced a lot of challenges and battles. I am reminded that the enemy is busy trying to steal, kill, and destroy God’s blessings and the things that we love and hold dear (John 10:10).

But Jesus said in Luke 10:19, “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.”

So let’s go back to Nehemiah and see how the people were successful in fulfilling their task. In verse 20, the people are reassured that “our God will fight for us.” Verse 21 says “So we labored at the work, and half of them held the spears from the break of dawn until the stars came out.” Our spears are the Word of God.

Throughout chapter four, as the workers were rebuilding and restoring the wall, enemies rose up to block it. Nehemiah turned to God in prayer, and work continued as they were not deterred from their assignment. We too must be determined to stand our watch in prayer.

Verse 6 tells us, “So we built the wall. And all the wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work”––in spite of the confusion created by the enemy. We must not be distracted.

Verse 9 says, “And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night.” In verse 13, Nehemiah positions the people according to their FAMILIES with their swords, their spears, and their bows alongside the workers rebuilding and restoring their area on the wall.

Now how might this apply to us and our Shine the Light restoration projects at St. Philip’s? Let’s look at a way that we as the families of St. Philip’s can help the restoration of the properties that God has made us a steward of by doing our part.

First, recognize that it is a God-given privilege to partner in what he is doing. As a family, pray about a part of the property being restored that the Holy Spirit puts on your heart. Commit to standing in prayer for safety for the workers and their families, excellence in their craft, and completion for the part that they have been assigned to.

A few places you could focus on:

A. Areas of the church, both inside and out. The chapel.

B. Parish House: The Parish Hall or rooms where ministries are taking place.

C. Parish House kitchen.

D. The church grounds.

E. The church office building and rooms.

F. The Tea Garden building and courtyard.

G. The State Street property, future site of the classical Christian school we are establishing.

I could go on and on, but as a family, you all decide where you want to stand. Your prayers are powerful, and according to James 5:16a, they accomplish much. This can also be a teaching tool for your children or grandchildren, so be sure to include them. They may have the perfect suggestion that you need to hear.

It would be encouraging to hear from you all about your choice and how the Lord is leading your prayers. Please feel free to email me: frichards7@aol.com. God bless you.

Learn more about our Shine the Light campaign at stphilipschurchsc.org/shine-the-light.