Then I prayed…
But we kept on praying to our God…
Nehemiah 4:4, NLT, Nehemiah 4:9, CEV
How many times have we started things, made a decision, attempted to tackle opposition or solve a problem, without utilizing what we already have access to– the appropriate and specific tools or weapons?
Surely, one wouldn’t embark on a task of building a house without the necessary tools, right?
Or attempt to change a tire without a jack or the tire you are switching out?
What about going into a war as a soldier without any armor? That would be foolish right?
Knowing this, I still find myself going about life, fighting spiritual battles with natural weapons, instead of fighting them with spiritual weapons. It’s no wonder I end up feeling so so weary, and quite frankly, exhausted when trying to deal with opposition ill prepared, or while trying to complete the tasks God has assigned me to do in this season of waiting.
I’ve been in the book of Ezra and Nehemiah recently and wow, talk about mighty men of God, with such character! It is clear that both men knew about the lethal weapon of prayer, as they used it repeatedly in the face of opposition and while fulfilling their God-given assignments.
2 Corinthians 10:3-4, TLB
It is true that I am an ordinary, weak human being, but I don’t use human plans and methods to win my battles. I use God’s mighty weapons, not those made by men, to knock down the devil’s strongholds.
One of God’s mighty weapons, truly a lethal weapon, was one that Nehemiah, a man of prayer, employed frequently, in the face of opposition, ridicule, mocking, and discouragement.
It’s human nature to respond to a battle or fight, especially in the world we currently live, with something physical or natural first. As I am reading through Nehemiah, I am learning the importance of choosing to use my lethal weapon of prayer first, before responding or acting in the natural. It’s simply wisdom.
Here are some things I learned from Nehemiah about this lethal weapon in the face of opposition.
- Prayer allows us to gain perspective and refocus on the One who is ultimately responsible for those who oppose us. (v. 4-5)
- Prayer helps us to continue to go forth in the work God has called us to do with enthusiasm. (v. 6)
- Prayer causes the enemy to become furious, stir up trouble and subsequently, turn up the heat, causing confusion. (v. 7-8) You may be thinking, “But why would we want this?!” Keep reading.
- Prayer reveals the plans of the enemy so we know how to respond (v. 12-13) and devise a strategic plan against him. (v. 11-13, 15)
- Prayer reminds us of who God really is, great and glorious. (v. 14)
- Prayer also reveals the purpose of why we are really fighting–for a purpose greater than ourselves. (v.14)
- Prayer frustrates the plans of the enemy so that we can return to our assignments. (v. 15)
You see, the weapon that the children of Israel used that was the largest, and the most deadly wasn’t their spears, words and bows, but their prayers.
Sadly, among all the armor Paul has outlined for us in Ephesians 6:14-18, the one piece that has been severely under utilized and sometimes, not even considered as important as the others, is the lethal weapon of prayer. How can this be when in verses 18-20 of this same chapter, Paul uses this word pray or a variation of it 4 different times?
Sis, may you see prayer in a new light, as a lethal weapon that you have at your disposal, no matter what you’re up against.
Wield your lethal weapon Daughter!
Scripture references: The Holy Bible (NLT, TLB)
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LET’S STAY CONNECTED:
Lady In Waiting 222 