Watch and Pray

…and all of them conspired together to come and attack Jerusalem and create confusion. Nevertheless we made our prayer to our God, and because of them we set a watch against them day and night. - Nehemiah 4:8-9

As Nehemiah and God’s people began to do the work of the Lord, obviously they were not going to have peace; they faced opposition and war. Collectively, Nehemiah’s enemies had made plans to attack Jerusalem. They knew the weaker the walls remained, with more gaping holes, the easier it would be to attack and cause confusion in the city. So what did Nehemiah do against the enemy? He set a watch.

Christians are called to build the kingdom of God, defend the faith and accomplish His purposes.  As you step out to do the work of God there will be opposition and spiritual warfare, it is a part of the Christian life–– get that fact in your mind. But I want you to realize that opposition and spiritual warfare will also cause you to grow in Jesus Christ.

Understand that once you have become a Christian, you can never just kick back in the kingdom of God––it is never easy to work for the Lord. It is one of the hardest things you will ever do.  If you are seeking holiness and righteousness––you have not seen anything yet. The enemy will launch rockets against you, your family and everything else you possess. You have to watch from all around you because of Satan’s missiles––his attacks can come from any direction!

Jesus said to His disciples:Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation…this is still an important exhortation to the Church today.

In spiritual defense do you only stand and watch once in a while? No! God’s people must keep watch twenty four hours a day––my friends. How? We must continue to watch and pray.  Watching for whom? We must have discernment with all the different people around us. We must watch for the enemy in the camp––for those opposing Jesus Christ and His work.

Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.
~1 Corinthians 16:13~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!