This aphorism, commonly attributed to Oliver Cromwell, attempts to capture the tension that is sometimes felt in times of trouble. Trusting in God’s power and providence is surely a biblical mandate. But then, what place is there for human means, will, action and effort?

In ordinary times and situations we generally go about our lives, individually and corporately, applying our God-given reason and human agency. However, tension emerges and intensifies when conflicts and crises transcend the ordinary affairs of a peaceful life. Human life may be at stake. God’s due honor is surely at stake.

What do we do when persecutions of various types pressure and threaten us? For decades now in the West, religious persecution has often been thought of as something that happens “over there” in far away, distant lands. That has been true and tragically remains true, but at the same time, real disturbing examples of persecution confront us right in our own neighborhood, so to speak. How do we respond?

There is no “one-size-fits-all” answer to the reality of persecution. We cannot point to one or two passages in the Bible and say, “there it is, the complete, neat and tidy biblical approach to persecution.” The Old and New Testaments deal with the issue from several perspectives because persecution takes many forms and of differing intensity.

Nevertheless, Nehemiah chapter four gives us a framework to begin thinking about the relationship between our efforts and preparedness, and our trust in God’s providence and help.

Join us this Sunday for a deeper look at Nehemiah 4.

Bob Landon