Kidzablaze Devotions

Nehemiah 6:15-16

15 So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of the month Elul, in fifty-two days.

16 When all our enemies heard of it, and all the nations surrounding us saw it, they lost their confidence; for they recognized that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God.

Nehemiah 13:6-7

6 But during all this time I was not in Jerusalem, for in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon I had gone to the king. After some time, however, I asked leave from the king,

7 and I came to Jerusalem and learned about the evil that Eliashib had done for Tobiah, by preparing a room for him in the courts of the house of God.

1 Corinthians 3:12-15

12 Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,

13 each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work.

14 If any man's work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward.

15 If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

As we saw yesterday, distractions have the potential to get us off track. But Scripture gives us a role model to emulate. Nehemiah shows us the value of:

• Single-mindedness. Nehemiah was a God-fearing man who conscientiously applied himself to the Lord’s work. Likewise, when we set our attention on God’s plan, our mind will stay fixed, regardless of the difficulties.

• Obedience. The Lord wants to show us His favor; His blessing is always upon us when we are obedient to Him. This knowledge should bring us confidence in hard times, just as it did for Nehemiah.

• Accountability. Apparently pleased with progress reports, the king let Nehemiah go back to Jerusalem (Nehemiah 13:6-7). One day when we stand before our King, we’ll want Him to be pleased with the way we used our resources and gifts (1 Corinthians 3:12-15).

• Consistency. The Israelites were helpless to stop their opponents’ taunts. So Nehemiah prayed, and the people received strength to continue. Ongoing prayer is essential for us as well.

When we follow Nehemiah’s example, God can accomplish great things in and through us. Which of the points from today’s devotion can help you overcome what is distracting you?