Calling the Nation to Prayer and Fasting: Nehemiah 4:1-18

I’ve been calling the nation to prayer and fasting, not out of my own spirit, but because I feel it’s essential. Let’s reflect on Nehemiah 4:1-18. I know I took extra time to go through this, but it’s so important. When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became extremely angry and ridiculed the Jews. In front of his associates and the army of Samaria, he mocked them saying, “What are these weak Jews doing? Will they restore their wall? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they finish it in a day? Can they bring the stones back to life from the piles of rubble, burned as they are?”

Tobiah, the Ammonite, who was with him, also said, “What are they building? Even if a fox climbs on it, he will break down their wall of stones.” Despite this, we rebuilt the wall until it reached half its height. This is key for both individual and corporate understanding of how to fulfill God’s purpose.

When we say “build and battle,” we mean spiritual warfare. There are three essential aspects to this: practical, spiritual, and prophetic. We will explore all three in detail. As you apply these principles to your personal life, I want you to see the bigger picture: what is God doing in the world today?

As we continue in this study, remember that spiritual warfare isn’t a vague concept. It is practical and real, and we must understand how to fight to win as believers. If you don’t recognize that you’re in a spiritual battle, you may already be a casualty.

We managed to rebuild the wall until it reached half its height because the people worked wholeheartedly. But when Sanballat, the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the men of Ashdod heard that the wall was being repaired and the gaps were closing, they were enraged. They formed a conspiracy and plotted against Jerusalem, stirring up trouble. These enemies came together to fight against the city of peace, safety, and protection.

In response, Nehemiah prayed to God. He always turned to prayer first. Your first prayer should be, “God, align me with Your will.” The will of God is found in His Word, and through prayer, we bring His will to pass on earth. Nehemiah prayed and then posted a guard day and night to address the threat.

At the same time, the people of Judah began to lose strength. They were tired and discouraged, halfway through the work. In fulfilling God’s purpose, weariness often comes to tempt us to lose our joy. But remember, we will not grow weary in well-doing in the name of Jesus. The people said, “There is too much rubble, and we cannot rebuild the wall.”

Our enemies threatened, saying, “Before they know it or see us, we will be among them, kill them, and put an end to their work.”

Despite the threats, Nehemiah took action. He stationed some people at the lowest points of the wall, at the exposed places, and posted them by families, equipped with swords, spears, and bows. He told them, “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.”