So Sanballat and Geshem sent a message asking me to meet them at one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But I realized they were plotting to harm me, so I replied by sending this message to them: “I am engaged in a great work, so I can't come. Why should I stop working to come and meet with you?” – Nehemiah 6:2-3 NLT
In the book of Nehemiah, we read the account of how the Israelites rebuilt the wall around Jerusalem after spending 70 years in exile. The wall wasn't the only thing that needed attention. The city's economy was in shambles, the temple had been demolished, and most every house was in disrepair.
Nehemiah knew if the people tried to tackle everything at once, they wouldn't get much of anything done. Before they started working on anything else, he knew they needed to rebuild the wall so they would be safe from invaders. It was by focusing on one thing at a time that the Israelites were able to rebuild their city.
The same principle is true in our lives. If we try to get in shape, declutter the house, get out of debt, prepare for retirement, and get ready for the new baby all at the same time, we'll fail. But if we prioritize what needs to be done and tackle that one thing until it's done, we'll be able to make real progress.
I’m sure you have one thing in your life that you know needs your attention more than anything. Focus on that one thing. Give it all you've got until it's done. When you get distracted, remind yourself, “I am engaged in a great work, so I can't come down."
Dig Deeper:
- Which area of your life needs the most attention in your life right now (spiritual, family, personal development, financial, family, relationships, work)?
- What do you need to do this week to make progress in this area?
