Whatever it Takes

Steven’s Scribbles
“Whatever it Takes”
Nehemiah 4:17–18
    In 586 B.C., the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem, burned the temple, and tore down its walls (2 Kings 25:8–10). Many of the Jews were taken into captivity. Decades later, under Persian rule, God stirred the hearts of men like Ezra and Nehemiah to return and rebuild what had been lost (Ezra 1:1–5). Remarkably, God even moved King Cyrus of Persia to allow this return and fund the effort (Ezra 1:2–4).
    However, when God’s people began rebuilding, they were immediately met with resistance. In Nehemiah 4:3–8, their work was mocked, their motives questioned, and they were threatened. It’s no different today. Jesus warned us plainly: “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you” (John 15:18). The world still despises righteousness, ridicules holiness, and resists the gospel.
    So how did the Israelites respond? Nehemiah 4:17–18 shows us—they grabbed their tools and their weapons. With one hand they worked, and with the other they prepared for battle. If they had to build by day and guard by night, they did. If they had to rally around a trumpet blast, they were ready. They would do whatever it takes to finish the task God gave them.
    We must have that same determination. To spread the gospel. To raise godly families. To stand for truth. To shine light in the darkness. If it means studying harder, praying longer, waking earlier, speaking bolder, or sacrificing more—then that’s what we do.
    Whatever it takes (according to God’s word), we press forward. Because God’s work is worth it. Always.


I love you all!
In His Service,
Steven Hugley