* When it comes to the Christian life, we have two responsibilities:
* BUILD & BATTLE.
* We are to hold a trowel in one hand and a sword in the other.
* We do our work and engage in warfare.
* A battle-ready mindset prepares us for the attacks of the enemy.
* Backstory - Nehemiah was leading the Jews in rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem.
* Enemies had come and tried to stop the work.
* So Nehemiah stationed the people strategically to build the wall AND protect themselves at the same time.
* vs 17 - “…Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other…”
* We’re not to hold one or the other - we’re to hold both a sword and a trowel at all times.
* A wall represents security - our core human need.
* To maintain security, you need to build and battle.
* vs 18 - “...and each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked. But the man who sounded the trumpet stayed with me.”
* The leader is responsible to sound the alarm.
* Spiritual leaders should sound the alarm against spiritual attacks.
* vs 19 - “Then I said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, “The work is extensive and spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall.”
* Boundaries are important in relationships.
* Space is necessary to keep people thriving and not fighting.
* Everyone should do their own work.
* Take care of your spot on the wall.
* vs 20 - “Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!”
* When Nehemiah blew the trumpet, it was time to lay down the trowel and pick up the sword.
* They never chose the place of battle nor the enemy they were fighting.
* It wasn't something they could say, "I'm not called to fight that battle."
* We believe we get to choose our battles today, but nothing could be further from the truth.
* We need to go to wherever the battles are the hottest and show up there.
* Just as Jesus told "the church" to show up to the gates of hell - those places where Satan has erected a stronghold and told the people of God to stay out.
* We don't get to choose our battle, we get to fight in the battles God chooses for us.
* All we have to do is show up and then watch Him take over.