This is a Great Work
I’m a natural wanderer.
I’m also a natural wonderer.
I find myself wondering about wandering from one venture to the next.
What would it be like if I…
Worked at Target?
Became a financial advisor?
Moved to California?
Worked at that church?
What I’ve come to realize is that this wondering about wandering doesn’t stem from a place of feeling unhappy or dissatisfied in my current role. In fact, I’ve never been more content! But even still, I find myself wondering about wandering at times, until I recently re-read this passage for the 100th time.
Nehemiah says, “I’m engaged in a great work, so I can’t come. Why should I stop working to come and meet with you?” Nehemiah 6:3.
Nehemiah has no time to wonder about wandering because he’s engaged in a great work!
A little backstory. Around 444 BC, Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian exile and found the city in shambles. The wall and gates needed to be rebuilt. So he asked permission from Artaxerxes to go back and rebuild the wall.
And while building, Nehemiah faced all kinds of opposition, threats and taunts. All kinds of opportunities to leave his work behind for something else. And yet, Nehemiah stayed the course. He didn’t waver. He achieved his vision and rebuilt the wall in 52 days.
It got me wondering: How much time do I waste wondering about wandering RATHER THAN engaging in the great work right in front of me?
A lot.
Here are 3 lessons I learned while reading this passage about how to engage in a great work and not get distracted:
1. Say no to lesser things for greater things.
“I’m engaged in a great work, so I can’t come. Why should I stop working to come and meet with you?” Nehemiah 6:3
Ask yourself: What is the GREAT THING you’ve been called to do? Do it. Stop being so worried about the lesser things so you can focus on the greater things.
2. Save the drama for your mama AKA Don’t get sidetracked by sideways energy.
“Tobiah the Ammonite, who was standing beside him, remarked, “That stone wall would collapse if even a fox walked along the top of it!” Nehemiah 4:3
Getting mocked. Made fun of. Could have led to drama. Engaging with Tobiah would have been sideways energy. Nehemiah had a vision to achieve something great, and he wouldn’t let this little weasel Tobiah distract him.
Then I prayed, “Hear us, our God, for we are being mocked.” Nehemiah 4:4
He directs his energy upwards and refuses to engage the drama.
Confession time: I like drama. My adrenaline spikes. My blood rushes. It makes me feel important. I have to pay attention to that. When there’s drama, I feel that rush – but it’s not forward momentum. It’s sideways energy.
What are some examples of how we engage in sideways energy?
Talking about each other behind each other’s backs.
Spreading rumors.
Blame. Rather than taking ownership or focusing on what you can do, you blame and point fingers. If only they… How can I never…
There are times there is actual drama that needs to be dealt with. Here’s what you do:
Ask God. Turn to him.
Own your part.
Talk directly to the person.
Then, talk to your supervisor.
Finally, get a mediator.
Don’t waste your energy on drama or sideways energy.
3. Share the load with people who you love and encourage.
In chapter 3, Nehemiah lists all the people who are taking care of building the wall. Sons of Hassenaah. Meremoth…Mesullam…Zadok. People from Tekoa. The Fish gate was built by… The Horse gate… The Fountain gate…
Clearly, Nehemiah did not accomplish this great work on his own. He focused on others and encouraged him to be a part of the journey. I find myself wondering about wandering much less when I’m focused on others.
What is the great work God has called you to do in this season? Don’t come down. God is using you!