I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me, and what the king had said to me. “Let us start rebuilding,” they replied, and they set their hands to this good work. (Nehemiah 2:8)

Nehemiah 2:18 gives us a glimpse into the call of God upon Nehemiah and those who joined Him in the work.

The agreement to “rise up and build” had an active sentiment. They dared not think of simply praying but also doing. They were clearly “doers of the word not just hearers.”

The work of God may surely need much prayer but at some point, there must be a man, or woman, willing to “set their hands to the good work” for anything to get done.

In the midst of rebuilding the walls, Nehemiah enlisted willing help. They did whatever was necessary to advance the work. Their eyes were set on the end goal that was ultimately on God’s own heart.

It clearly called for a sacrifice of life, time, and resources. The good work of God always does.  Often, we reserve our days and carve out just a little bit for God to have. Availability is key to Christ. If we are never available, He will not be able to use us as much as He would, perhaps, like.

Nehemiah carried a sword in one hand while building in the other. Even when asking the King for permission to go rebuild, His prayer was steady but His intent was a definite moving forward. He prayed while He brought His request to the King. Sometimes, you have little time to act on what God is doing around you.

God does not give us a calling and expect us to sit back and let Him do all the work. We must labor. We must plow. Even Adam and Eve were meant to tend to the garden.

How and where is it that you need to “set your hands to the good work?” Jesus is asking for your life to be His fully. Have you purposed your days under His hand?