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, it bore mention.).
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.
Well, I'm mad at myself for being behind but so glad I read this this morning. What a mantra to hold on to!
PS I found that listening to the Scripture while reading it on YouVersion really helps it to sink in for me. What a wonderful tool!
Many memories flooded into my mind as I read this. I have felt very tangible opposition this year more than any other time in my life.
1) in high school I asked a friend's mom, why does it seem that more people come to know Christ on mission trips than in my everyday life. She simply answered because it is surrounded by prayer. That has stuck with me.
2) 2 Corinthians 4:7-10 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.
3) Nehemiah was full of the knowledge of God and I think that because of this knowledge he was able to stand firm. May we grow in the knowledge of God, so that we can stand firm. Colossians 1:9-10 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.
Haley..Oh, how true! We should surround each other, everyday, every project, everything…not just church work or mission trips, but EVERYTHING with prayer. Even those things that are opposed to Christ, so as to bring Christ in.
Thank you God, for this particular Scripture passage tonight. It was exactly what I needed to read, as You know. Praying for the strength of Nehemiah over the next few days & weeks because the enemy is really trying to work on me, using the words & actions of others to churn up negative thoughts & self-talk inside of me again. I declare my freedom from all of that tonight, with God’s grace & help. God and God alone defines me, loves me, & favors me. I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. I will not go down. Thank you, Lord.
Praying with you, Lauren.
Thank you Carolynmimi. I really need it and appreciate it.
Oh boy, I didn't know if I would ever get on here today! Talk about life getting in the way! I've been so blessed reading all of the comments today. I can almost visualize all of us collectively shout, stomp and occupy some spiritual territory through this scripture. What a powerful God we serve. What a force to reckon with. Makes me glad that I'm on His side…and He's on mine.
Blessings sisters!
So glad you finally made it :) I came back to see if I missed any good nuggets before I turned in for the night and sure enough I found some more good thoughts to take to sleep with me! Love all you ladies!!
I do the morning and night recap, too, Candacejo. And then the next morning like now, I go back and often find more nuggets. That is one thing I love about these studies and this group.
WOW. I am so glad I made the time to do this devotional this morning as I was getting ready. Upon arriving to church (I work in ministry), I found out some discouraging news that someone had made a negative comment about me, and was immediately brought back to this:
"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 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)"
God bless you Gennean, it is never easy to take something like that but hold your head up high just as Nehemiah did and carry on! Don't go down!! What a blessing that God had you in the middle of this great study to give you strength to stand and not say or do the wrong thing. Isn't He awesome!! Blessings, friend! P.S. Love your name! Don't think I have ever seen it :)