Nehemiah 4:15-23

Nehemiah 4:15-23
English Standard Version (ESV)

  In this passage, an important thing is happening, one that often slides by without noticing, because we get fixated on the narrative.  All the attribution is going to God.  It is God that frustrates the plans of the enemies.  It is God who will fight for us.  It is God who is continually acting, moving, working in the world and making things possible for Nehemiah and the Israelites.
  It's easy to attribute things to our own brilliance or strategy.  It's much harder to give God the credit and acknowledge that we couldn't do anything without God's grace, presence, love and support.  Our culture often focuses on what people are able to achieve on their own, without help from others, but the reality is that without God's help our next breath would not be possible.  God gives us strength and wisdom and ability and community, then sends the Holy Spirit to guide us and encourage us to use our gifts to the best of our ability.  So when we accomplish things in life, it's because we used the gifts that God gave us.
  From time to time, it's important to whisper a word of thanks to God, to keep ourselves humble and remember who deserves the credit and glory.