“For they all wanted to frighten us, thinking, ‘Their hands will drop from the work, and it will not be done.’ But now, O God, strengthen my hands.” (Nehemiah 6:9)
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Nehemiah knew Sanballat’s intention. His previous tactics had been aimed to hinder Nehemiah by force and intimidation. Now he aimed at making him afraid (cf. Neh. 6:13-14, 19). If he could get Nehemiah to fear what might happen, Nehemiah would be crippled and would give up.
Oh, to be like Nehemiah! He knew that in himself there was every possibility to run out of strength. He knew that his hands weren’t strong enough for the work. But he also knew that the work was not his own and that the strength required to complete it would have to come from another source. He looked to God for that strength.
Jesus taught that you and I are no different. He said, “As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me…apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:4-5). The life that God has called us to is a hard one. In fact, it’s an impossible one. Just as we didn’t have the power to save ourselves, so we don’t have the power to continue to grow in grace. The promises that God has given us are too radical; the hope too countercultural; the life of sacrifice and love too demanding. The only way that we can succeed is to get our strength from Christ.
Have you ever reached a point where you just didn’t think you could go on? When was the last time you gave up living intentionally for God because it was too hard? Maybe that particular sin has beaten you one too many times and you’re ready to throw in the towel. Maybe you’ve taken a step of faith into the unknown. You’ve been okay so far, but now you’re in a situation where failure is certain if God doesn’t come through. Whatever the details are in your case, the fear is real and you are painfully aware that you don’t have the strength to continue.
Learn from Nehemiah’s example. Having weak hands is not a bad thing. It teaches us to cry out to the One whose power is perfected in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Say to Him: “Father, I don’t have the strength to do this on my own. This is what You have called me to in Christ. Give me Your strength to do what I can’t do myself.” Prayer offered to God in faith and complete dependence is the kind He loves to answer. In doing so, He demonstrates His power and faithfulness to His children and confounds the wisdom of the world.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” (Ephesians 6:10)
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