«I gave the charge of Jerusalem to my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the leader of the citadel, for he was a faithful man and feared God more than many» (Nehemiah 7:2).
The wall was built, the doors were hung, and the victory was won. This could give the Jews a false sense of security and importance, but Nehemiah was ready for anything. He had to choose two faithful, God-fearing people to be in charge of those newly hung gates; otherwise the battles won would be for naught. A gate without a guard would be a temptation for the enemy. When we obtain a victory we can lose it later if we are not careful, because we become overly confident.
Only faithful, God-fearing people could carry out that task. Nehemiah gave specific instructions to the two people he chose: to keep the gates of the city closed and barred until the sun came fully out, when all the families were awake, alert, and vigilant, and all the various gatekeepers were at their posts to watch guard them. There were not many inhabitants in Jerusalem; many of those exiled had stayed in Babylon, others had established homes in the areas around Judah; only a few valiant and faithful families had decided to live in the small, insecure city of Jerusalem. That is why so many extra security measures had to be taken to prevent any attempt to attack the city.
Take additional measures to prevent the enemy’s attacks on your family. Watch the gates, the doors, and all the avenues of the senses, to keep your children from becoming distracted from their mission. Offer them a place of spiritual security. What avenues of the senses are not being guarded? What are the weak points of your family where the enemy could attack? Think about it and take the necessary measures of safety and vigilance, inspired by the actions of Nehemiah.
«It is a crime for mothers to allow themselves to remain in ignorance in regard to the habits of their children…. Mothers, you cannot be too careful in preventing your children from learning low habits. It is easier to learn evil than to eradicate it after it is learned.»—Child Guidance, ch. 71, p. 457. «Every Christian must stand on guard continually, watching every avenue of the soul where Satan might find access. He must pray for divine help and at the same time resolutely resist every inclination to sin. By courage, by faith, by persevering toil, he can conquer. But let him remember that to gain the victory Christ must abide in him and he in Christ.-Lift Him Up, p. 340, November 22.
With God’s help, watch the gates to your soul and that of your children.
www.meditacionesdiarias.com
https://twitter.com/meditacionesdi1
http://www.instagram.com/meditacionesdiarias7
Taken from: Devotional Thoughts for Women 2023
“DAUGHTER OF MINE” Do Not Be Afraid
From: Arsenia Fernandez-Uckele
Collaborators: Xiomara Perdomo & Angelica Cuate
