I’m doing a great work; I can’t come down. Why should the work come to a
standstill just so I can come down to see you? (Nehemiah 6:3).
Rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall was no easy task. There were problems with materials, problems with laborers, and problems with the neighbors. Nehemiah, however, knew his purpose and was determined stick with the plan. On more than one occasion, Nehemiah faced a seemingly harmless request. Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem wanted to meet for a conversation. Nehemiah repeatedly refused their request. He knew his why and he knew the danger of distraction.
It seems as if pursuing our whys leads us down a path lined with potential distractions. It makes sense. The more we align our lives with God’s purposes, the more intent the enemy will be on stopping or slowing our progress. Nehemiah wasn’t building a wall just to have something to do. The rebuilding of the wall was significant in the restoration of Jerusalem and the return of the Israelites from Babylonian exile. His work was significant for his generation and for generations to come.
We are a lot like Nehemiah. The work to which we are called is significant today and in the future. Others are counting on us to live our whys so they can live theirs. Unlike Nehemiah, we are easily distracted. We call it multitasking, but that’s just a socially acceptable excuse for not paying attention to what’s really important.
Today, as you pursue your why, be aware of the danger of distraction. When faced with a decision, use the words of Nehemiah. “I’m doing a great work. I can’t come down.” Think about it.
What great work are you doing? What distractions keep you from making progress?
If you don’t know your purpose (your why), you can’t determine the distractions. Maybe it’s time to discover and live your why. Check out my new book, Live Your Why. It doesn’t just tell you about the importance of living your why, it helps you discover it and develop a plan to pursue it. Click here to learn more.
