by Tricia Yoder

“You deserve a break today.” Ah, the familiar slogan, I am sure you heard it before. Those golden arches are telling you to come in and get something for YOU. You’ve worked hard, you’ve earned it.

After doing the impossible, rebuilding the Jerusalem wall in record time, and all the stress the enemies put him under, didn’t Nehemiah and his crew “deserve a break?” A trip to the Bahamas or a resort in Cancun would be nice, but we know this was not going to happen for Nehemiah. He had to continue to take care of what God entrusted to him. The task of rebuilding the wall was complete and the doors were in place, but more work needed to be done. Men had to be chosen to govern Jerusalem, the gates had to be guarded, and each family was assigned to protecting their section of the wall. Furthermore, the enemies did not stop their persistent pursuit of intimidation. No, Nehemiah was not able to get his “break today.” They could not let their guard down and rest. He and the other God-fearing people remained faithful.

We may be tempted to rest in our accomplishments and let down our guard after a big project is completed. However, follow-through after a project can be just as important as the project itself. May we be found faithful to the work God has for us from the beginning to the end. Can you smell the coffee?

Your fellow traveler,
Tricia