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<\/a>Yesterday I shared several passages of what we are to do with our hands. But what I\u2019ve discovered since then is that our hands must be strengthened for the work and only God can give the strength we need.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Nehemiah felt the importance of rebuilding Jerusalem\u2019s wall while in exile in Babylon. His heart was heavy and with the king\u2019s blessing and God\u2019s guidance, Nehemiah set out to complete this large task.<\/p>\n
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There were many who opposed this and were continually on the lookout to find ways to sabotage their efforts, but this group of workers remained faithful to their task and listened intently to what Nehemiah had to say.<\/p>\n
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At one point, after responding to a letter, Nehemiah 6:9a (NIV) says, \u201cThey were all trying to frighten us, thinking, \u2018Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.\u2019\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Apparently Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem and other enemies of Israel had never seen what God\u2019s people were capable of when God was obeyed, honored and worshiped. They had not witnessed the power that God provided when Israel was faithful to Him. They were in for a surprise!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Nehemiah knew exactly what to do. He prayed. He prayed to His God and said, \u201cNow strengthen my hands.\u201d<\/em> (Nehemiah 6:9b \u2013 NIV)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n When we are going through a task that seems too much for us, we too have the opportunity to ask God for this same strength. When we are weary. When we don\u2019t think we can go any further. When life is just a bit tougher than expected. \u201cNow strengthen my hands.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n When physical ailments seem to get us down. When we don\u2019t know what to do. When the direction of life isn\u2019t as clear as it should be. \u201cNow strengthen my hands.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n All of Israel came to realize that with God\u2019s strength they were able to do much more than what they could do on their own. The walls around Jerusalem were rebuilt in a staggering 52 days! (Nehemiah 6:15) God indeed strengthened their hands.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n God can be our source of strength as we go through this life. Look at these verses to see other ways God strengthens us.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDo not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.\u201d<\/em> (Nehemiah 8:10b \u2013 NIV)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.\u201d<\/em> (Psalm 28:7a \u2013 NIV)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMy soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.\u201d<\/em> (Psalm 119:28 \u2013 NIV)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBut he said to me, \u2018My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.\u2019 Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ\u2019s power may rest on me\u2026For when I am weak, then I am strong.\u201d<\/em> (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 \u2013 NIV)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI pray that our of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.\u201d<\/em> (Ephesians 3:16-17a \u2013 NIV)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI can do all this through him who gives me strength.\u201d<\/em> (Philippians 4:13 \u2013 NIV)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMay our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.\u201d<\/em> (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 \u2013 NIV)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The strength we receive through God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit is unlimited. When we ask for it, we\u2019ll receive it. When we are open to receiving it, we\u2019ll use it for God\u2019s glory. When God showers us with His strength, nothing is impossible. I am so thankful for the strength I receive through God. I pray that you know this same thankfulness.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Maybe God isn\u2019t asking you to build a wall today, but He has probably called you to something that you don\u2019t feel up to or adequate. But know this, if God calls you to it, He will provide the means to accomplish it. Don\u2019t hesitate. Allow Him to do the leading and give you the strength. He will strengthen your hands.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Grace and peace be yours in abundance,<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Donna<\/p>\n <\/p>\n