Build That Wall

“And they fortified Jerusalem unto the broad wall.” Nehemiah 3:8

Walls were the best defense for cities in the biblical times. The term "broad wall" was used to describe walls that were the strongest defensive positions in the walls of the city. The broad wall was one of the last walls left standing after the city was breached and destroyed by the Babylonian forces.

When Israel was restored to the city, Nehemiah started the work of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. The focus was on the remaining “broad wall.” The ruins of the lesser walls were re-laid to the still standing “broad wall.” 

The word of God makes this observation about your life living for Him:

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Eph 6:12)

You are in a battle against the workers of darkness and, like the walls of Jerusalem, you to need to have a “broad wall” of defense that you can focus efforts as you restore the damages that your enemy Satan and his minions inflect in your life. 

When Satan seeks to overthrow you, a “broad wall” will give you a place of retreat for you to gather your strength to overcome the powers of darkness that try to push you into a dry spiritual desert. We are warned that these battles are real and sometimes overwhelming. The Apostle Paul addresses this subject with these words:

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” (1 Co 10:13)

The ”broad wall” in your life is that place you “escape” to a defensive posture in temptations that are overtaking you. David, King of Israel, said, “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.” (Psa 91:1-2)

The “broad wall” in the life of the believer is God Himself. When temptations are overwhelming, you need to run to the Saviour. It is in Him you will find the “way to escape” as you “bear” out your trials. Jesus will keep, comfort and strengthen you in your hour of need.

It is when we are under the crushing power of evil that we find our true strength and power. The Apostle Paul reveals this truth to us while he gave testimony of his own temptation that was overpowering him. When he inquired Jesus about trouble, Jesus said, “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” Recognizing that Jesus was his “broad wall” Paul said, “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” The “power of Christ” is the “broad wall” and with this understanding, Paul made this observation about his temptations:

“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” (2 Co 12:9-10)

How is your spiritual life? Are you in a dark place? Do you feel overwhelmed and defeated? As you rebuild the walls of your life, focus on your “broad way”---- Jesus. When you turn to the Saviour, His words “My grace is sufficient for thee” will be for you and when you rebuild your life in His grace you will soon restore the damages that sin has caused in your life.