"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).

One of my favorite stories in the Old Testament is when Nehemiah led the post-exilic Jews in the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. One hundred forty years had passed since Jerusalem had been destroyed by the Babylonian army. Almost 100 years had passed since some of God's people returned to their homeland following Cyrus' decree. And in spite of the people being in great distress and reproach, the walls broken down and the gates burned with fire (1:3), in just 52 days the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt! (6:15-16) There were a number of important factors that made this seemingly impossible feat possible. One of those key factors is stated in our passage - "for the people had a mind to work." Look out when the Lord's people have a mind to work! Great things will be accomplished in our homes, our local churches, and our communities when Christians have a mind to work. So let us be determined that each day God blesses us with, that we too will possess "a mind to work." "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Cor. 15:58).