When you’re under spiritual attack and can’t get out from under the weight of discouragement, read Nehemiah 4-6. It’s a slow burn of good overcoming evil with an unlikely backdrop: a construction site.

The people of Judah were rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem under the leadership of Nehemiah, who, as the king of Persia’s royal sommelier, had received favor and resources. This was the Lord’s work they were carrying out, and it attracted the attention of naysayers, fearmongers, and enemies who used intimidation and violence to stop the work on the wall.

God’s chosen people responded with spiritual and physical defenses for this physical and spiritual attack. They prayed AND posted a guard. They held a plumb line in one hand AND a spear in the other. They remembered the Lord AND they fought. 

“Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes” (Nehemiah 4:14).

These masons turned soldiers practiced constant vigilance. Nehemiah and his men had their weapons in hand all the time, even if it was just to get a drink of water.

When you are doing the Lord’s work—when you are raising kids to follow Jesus, when you are witnessing in the workplace, when you are making music for the worship of God—you will face attacks from the enemy who wants to see you fail. Practice constant vigilance.

Remember your great and awesome Lord, and fight.