I Cannot Come Down

Nehemiah was up to something important, and so am I.

With his hands set to the task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, there were those who sought to distract him, to tear him away from the undoing of the distruction.

He was quite close to finishing the wall (only the gates needed to be hung), and some people around him started to sweat bullets. We've gotta stop this--he is so close, they thought.

So four (count 'em, four) times they sent messengers to try to get him to cease his efforts with lies and malicious intent. And each time he replied with the same answer:

"I am doing a great work, and I cannot come down."

He recognized their attempts for what they were, and called out for Almighty God to strengthen His hands to finish the task.

My hands are set on completing a task, too. A great work. An enduring work. My work is to minister to Justin, Trevor and Aila, to make Christ's love more real to them, and I too "have devoted myself to the work on this" (Nehemiah 5:16). But that doesn't mean that I don't have all kinds of messages coming my way from one who sees that I am close to seeing fruit--and does not want fruit to exist within my family. He may come at me with lies and malicious intent, but my God reigns and He is the One to strengthen my hands for the work. After all, I am called to accomplish my work just as Nehemiah accomplished his--

there's just a little more peanut butter and jelly and a little less brick & mortar in mine.

So when opportunities come that get in the way of this,
I AM DOING A GREAT WORK, AND I CANNOT COME DOWN.

When discouragement looms,
I AM DOING A GREAT WORK, AND I CANNOT COME DOWN.

When temptation lurks,
I AM DOING A GREAT WORK, AND I CANNOT COME DOWN.

When a "safer" life beckons,
I AM DOING A GREAT WORK, AND I CANNOT COME DOWN.

With the vision of a family rooted established in love and truth in my mind,

I'll say it as many times as I need to...

I AM DOING A GREAT WORK, AND I CANNOT COME DOWN.

You have something to accomplish too, as well as the very same messages that threaten to distract you. But your work is so very valuable in the kingdom, and you must not come down off your ladder, no matter what calls. I am praying over you today that the Lord will strengthen your hands for His purposes, and am crying out for this to be your reply as well:

I AM DOING A GREAT WORK,

AND I CANNOT COME DOWN.