But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs,
the Ammonites and the people of Ashdod
heard that the repairs to Jerusalem’s wall had gone ahead
and that the gaps were being closed, they were very angry.
They all plotted together
to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it.
But we prayed to our God and posted a guard…
Nehemiah 4:7-9
“But we prayed to our God and posted a guard…” What wisdom! Ask God for his grace, strength, protection and help – and then take responsibility to do all we can.
This verse has inspired others – including Oliver Cromwell who lived in the early 1600’s. He was a military leader. His men used muskets. He is quoted in a poem written in 1834. Here is what I found on Wikipedia about that quote:
“Trust in God and keep your powder dry” is a maxim attributed to Oliver Cromwell, but which first appeared in 1834 in the poem “Oliver’s Advice” by William Blacker with the words “Put your trust in God, my boys, and keep your powder dry!” The poem is a dramatic representation of Cromwell addressing his army during the invasion of Ireland. Edward Hayes, who edited the anthology in which the work first appeared, calls it a “well-authenticated anecdote of Cromwell.”
These are good words for you and me today! “Pray to our God, and _________.” You fill in the blank.
Today, spend some time praying to our God for help, and then ask him to help you to know what he would have you do! Pray the same for Crossroads!
