Day 40 – July 10, 2025
55-day Devotional Journey – Day 40

Scripture:
So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days. And when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem, for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God. Moreover, in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah's letters came to them. For many in Judah were bound by oath to him, because he was the son-in-law of Shecaniah the son of Arah: and his son Jehohanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah as his wife. Also they spoke of his good deeds in my presence and reported my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to make me afraid.
Nehemiah 6:15-19 (ESV)

Reflection:
The wall was rebuilt in just 52 days. When the hostile forces heard that the wall reconstruction project was completed, they were very afraid and discouraged. Strange! The enemies and the Gentiles tried every means to make Nehemiah and the people afraid. Now because they worked together and looked to God for wisdom and power, the wall was indeed built, and it was their enemies who were afraid. Even their enemies had to admit that it was God who was working among Nehemiah and the people.

Thank God for allowing NYCBC to walk through 55 years of grace. We must honestly recall how the crises and challenges we encountered in the past were resolved. Wasn’t it God’s mercy that the spiritual leaders and the congregation came through it together under God’s protection and guidance? God still keeps NYCBC as a lampstand in the Greater Toronto Area today. How can we not remember: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts” (Zechariah 4:6), and continue to complete the mission entrusted to us by God?

Verses 17-19 record that many nobles of Judah were related to Tobiah and kept in touch with him. They all played a very important role in building the city wall and fighting against foreign enemies (Neh. 3: 4, 29, 30). This put Nehemiah in a very isolated and dangerous position, so Tobiah could continue to send letters to intimidate him. It can be seen that Satan never gives up, and he will never give up as long as we are alive.

Reflection Question:
Facing this long-term spiritual battle, do I have the confidence to win? Am I sure that God will help me, empower me, and accomplish His mission through me?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for not leaving this church in the past, and for protecting and leading your humble and faithful servants and believers through the long spiritual battle, so that we can see that the secret of victory is that God works among us, and the evil forces cannot be rampant. Lord, protect and lead the NYCBC family to have a close relationship with You from generation to generation, and win the long spiritual battle through prayer, and glorify Your holy name! In the name of the Lord Jesus, I pray, Amen

By Pastor Lam