i cannot go down

BY Sarah Matheny

Text: Nehemiah 6:1-14

I thought I knew all about determination in my life. Earning that degree. Passing that Bar. Getting that job. Birthing that child (after 32 hours and a defunct epidural. Sorry, but it bears mentioning).

Sure, things weren’t easy, and it was a lot of hard work. But the only true barrier between me and my goals was myself, my fears and my weariness. I had friends and family encouraging me. No one tried to stand in my way.

But then again, I wasn’t doing the Lord’s work. I wasn’t building or even reinforcing His kingdom; I was setting bricks in my own wall.

You see, it’s when we are taking on the tasks that He has called us to do that others, namely the Enemy, will work against us. And just when our task is about complete – just when we can see the fruits of our labor at hand – they’ll try to distract us. They’ll threaten us.  They’ll discredit us.

And we should all be as steadfast as Nehemiah in our response.

“I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down.”  (Nehemiah 6:3)

Though you scheme against me.

“I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down.”

Though you threaten to harm me.

“I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down.”

Though you accuse me of doing His work for my own glory.

“I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down.”

I thought I knew all about determination. But Nehemiah shows us true determination.

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58, NIV)

Because you are carrying on a great project and you cannot go down.