“So we built the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work” (Nehemiah 4:6).
Set in the time when Nehemiah is overseeing the re-construction of the wall around Jerusalem, this verse provides a key to the success of that project: “the people had a mind to work” or as another translation says, “a heart to work,” meaning they set their minds to the task and worked vigorously to complete the project.
Nehemiah risks life and limb to rebuild this wall, but he is unscathed by the criticism, offers of compromise, ridicule, threats, or any other obstacles the enemies of the Jewish people hurl at him.
Working quickly after his arrival in Jerusalem, he privately surveys the scene, encourages the rulers with his report of answered prayers, organizes the workers—and they complete the massive project in fifty-two days.
Can we allow our minds eye to contemplate the success we may have in the church today if we can convince leaders and members to have “a heart to work”? With every member participating and with the blessing of God, we can achieve more than we can even imagine for the Cause of Christ.