Nehemiah knew how to get the job done. We can read about his strategy in Nehemiah 4: 17-18: “Those who build the wall and those who bore burdens loaded themselves so that everyone worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other hand, and every builder had his sword girded by his side, and so worked. And he who sounded the trumpet was at my side.”

One of the ways we work with one hand and hold a weapon in the other is to praise God while we work. No matter what you are trying to build—your home, your marriage, your business, financial security, and exercise plan, or an intimate relationship with God—do not forget to worship as you work. Remember to praise God and thank Him for even small steps of progress. You don’t have to make a production out of your praise; just keep a thankful heart and an attitude that says, “I Love You, Lord. I worship You. I can’t do this without You. I need Your help today. Thank You for giving me a goal to work toward and for helping me to accomplish it.”

I believe the sword that Nehemiah’s builders kept by their sides represents our need to keep God’s Word with us all the time. God’s Word is a sword for us, and we have to wield it against the enemy. Our swords will not do any good if we keep them in their sheaths, just as the Bible won’t help us if it just sits on a shelf gathering dust. They will not be effective against the enemy if we do not use them. To use our swords is to know, believe, and speak the Word of God.

If you wake up one morning and feel you want to give up, use your sword by saying: “I will not give up! God has plans to give me a future and a hope and I am going to keep working so I can experience them!” (see Jeremiah 29:11). God gives us weapons of warfare so we can use them. If you want to win, you will have to remain active. Passivity and wishing never win the battle.

ext week. THE REST OF THE STORY.