You know the feeling—the task that looms large. It’s so overwhelming, you don’t even know where to begin! You procrastinate or cry. You try complaining, hoping to be consoled by others. Or even suggest others who are more suited for the job. But the assignment is yours.

I have always been a fan of the Old Testament character, Nehemiah, perhaps because he took on a massive project, stuck with it through difficulties, and successfully completed the task sooner than any thought possible!

The Task: Rebuild the wall surrounding Jerusalem after the Babylonians conquered and destroyed the city.

The Beginning: Nehemiah, a cupbearer to the king of Persia, asked the king to provide all the materials needed for the project in Jerusalem and for letters for safe conduct along the way. But the real starting place for Nehemiah was on his knees, praying and fasting before the Lord, asking God for favor and success.

The Plan: Upon his arrival, Nehemiah rallied the town folk. Each volunteer would work on the section of wall near their own home and/or business.

The Problems: Men who opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem regularly came to mock, ridicule, intimidate, and threaten the Jews, causing the workers to become weary, fearful, and discouraged.

The Strong Finish: Nehemiah prayed and encouraged the workers to persevere and trust God. After a century and a half of lying in ruins, Jerusalem’s wall was completed in only 52 days!

God’s Math: Unlikely person + overwhelming task + severe opposition + GOD = SUCCESS

May we remember and repeat Nehemiah’s determination. “[T]he gracious hand of my God [is] upon me . . . Let us start [fill in the blank] . . . The God of heaven will give us success” (Neh. 2:18, 20).

Steps to success: 1) Pray and fast. 2) Plan. 3) Do the task.