BY Sarah Matheny
Text: Nehemiah 2:9-20
Knowing God’s will for our lives can be tricky. I’ll admit, I’ve tried to circumvent the process a time or two. (If you happen to check my browser history, please ignore the Google search, “How do I know God’s will for my life?” And please also ignore anything having to do with rashes.)
But other times, God’s will is as clear as day. Or in Nehemiah’s case, as we read earlier this week, it can be as clear as an obvious statement from God. In those instances, knowing God’s will isn’t the tricky part. Once we’ve discovered the path, it’s the carrying it out that stretches us.
Walking in His ways won’t always be popular. Others will be “very much disturbed.” (Nehemiah 2:10, NIV)
We may not have a team standing alongside of us, just a few helpers and the shirt on our back.
There will be obstacles and gates we can’t get through, and upon careful examination, we’ll realize the daunting task before us.
We’ll search our motives. Are we telling everyone, for our own glory, what God put on our hearts to do as an act of obedience (Nehemiah 2:12)? Or is our right hand unaware of what our left hand is doing, because we know we can’t lay claim to our obedience (Matthew 6:3)?
In our walk, there has to come a point where we block out the naysayers. A point when we stop surmising what we’re lacking to accomplish the task and when we stop examining how very hard it will be.
There comes a point, with a prayer and pure motives, where we just begin the good work.
In spite of the seemingly insurmountable, the mockery and ridicule, He will give us success.
Just begin the good work.
118 thoughts on "just do it"
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What are your motives in telling people? That is a goooood question. We think we need to share everything with everyone. That’s not true and not wise. shareeverything
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I’ve been seeking His word lately, especially since I’ve felt this tight tension near my heart– something similar to anxiety. The words, “walking in His way won’t always be popular,” spoke to me. Being submersed in a college setting, with friends that were not genuine, who had no strong moral compass, I felt alone and lost. I felt wronged for standing up for the right decisions and for justice. Even now, I do not know who to turn to or where to go, but Jesus. I know that earthly things may not matter in His kingdom, but I desire strong relationships with people– true friendships. I hope that He will watch over me, and in His way, bless me with comfort and inner peace.
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I pray today that he is pouring those things in our heart and that you can see Him and work clearly.
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The whole idea of “Just do it” has been so prevalent in my life just after college. God called me to stay in Arizona and after seeking after His will and jobs I found a way to do graphic design for a collegiate ministry called Christian Challenge. If you have ever been in a ministry missionary position you might be all too familiar with support raising. Right after graduation I went in for training and then was released unto the world to raise my whole salary via people I knew and didn’t know. This time was so trying as I was afraid of phone calls and what people were going to say. But in the end the idea was still the same, I just had to do it. As I put my faith in God and did what I was asked, it became easier. It didn’t matter if calls were not returned or if the conversation seemed awkward. It was all about seeing who God had called to give. And in the end He blessed me with friendships and connections I wouldn’t have had otherwise. I’m so thankful for the process even though it is trying. God has always got you no matter what, but if you don’t do it, there won’t be any results.
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I am so glad you shared this! I am in the midst of raising my support and it is very daunting, but remembering that it is exactly what God has called me to do is so helpful. It’s more than phone calls and meetings. It’s building relationships and inviting people to be a part of the Great Commission. Thank you for helping me remember that :)
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This study is very poignant. I am an ideas person, I get very excited about a good idea and often I believe these are God-given ideas to further His kingdom, but after a few days, once the daily grind gets back to me and kills my excitement…I don’t do anything. I always think, “Later when I have more free time/money I will pursue that again.” And for some of these that might be the case, as we learned yesterday it’s also inadvisable to move before God tells you to. But I know that God will provide a way of it is His calling and that he wants me active!
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This is me too! I feel like I have so many ideas and ways I want to reach people for Jesus, but then get stuck with the process. This devotion helped me realize that I need to step out in faith and just do it!!
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