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.
Good morning sisters powerful word this morning.this spoke directly to my heart this morning.I too get distracted by those that are close to be but glory to God that deliverance came and I shall not be moved. I think of the verse in 1 Samuel 17:28-30 KJV
“And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.
And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?
And he turned from him toward another, and spake after the same manner: and the people answered him again after the former manner”. An example of those that are are close to us to distract us from doing the Lords work.sisters let’s keep our eyes focus regardless of negative things around us. As david said is there not a cause? Be blessed this day.
Ladies I have to admit this devotional really gave me a little smack! lol to be honest through out my life I have been literally distracted or pulled away from everything I have enjoyed or tried to do, I was beginning to consider myself a quitter because I hardly finish many projects or ideas I start . I always face such great criticism and run away or just get bored and distract myself with other things never finishing. Now I realize that out of everything at least some of it had to be because I was building towards the kingdom of God. Even now a better position is open in my office giving me the chance to help others even more and I am afraid to apply because of my lack of experience and the people in my office constantly scheme and are not so warm towards me. basically the usual any opposition and I retreat into myself and God asking why don't they like me? Reading Nehemiah is blessing me beyond words. Sometimes we just have to do the right thing afraid but still guard our hearts and look to God not what others may be saying or doing.
I really loved today's reading, it's so encouraging!
About 3 years I felt the Lord calling me to be a physician. I prayed and prayed about if it was really what God wanted. I didn't feel smart enough, I was not in the situation to do something that drastic, my husband's family was already not supportive of me being in school, so that was just adding gas to the fire. God made it very clear that's what He wanted. My husband and his family didn't support me, I was constantly being torn down by them. That marriage ended, for this reason and many others. Again, I questioned God, is this what YOU want or what I want? He again, very clearly, told me what he wants.
Many times over the last couple years I have doubted God. Then, I look back, and see all of the ways the devil has tried to bring me down, doubt about whether I'm smart enough, good enough, my pharmacy job not letting me go full time, God provided another job (or so I thought) that ended up causing me more stress and health issues. I reconnected with a friend from high school, we started a relationship, he was supportive of my calling, but it wasn't always easy. We ended up getting married about 2.5 months ago and God has blessed me immensely with him!
Anyway…
Today, after I read the reading, I prayed and asked God to make it very clear to me what things in my life I need to say, "Because I am carrying on a great project & I cannot go down." Nehemiah saw where the traps were, he had wisdom and insight and recognized the distractions for what they were. God called him to something great and he didn't want to miss out by chasing some foolish trap. I don't want to allow things to distract me anymore, I want to pursue God and his calling on my life because he has called me to a great project. When the Creator, the King, the Lord of Lords calls…we better answer!
So glad God has provided a supportive husband. Stay with God. He will fight for you.
I see this not just for big projects but every day. when I trying to do my job to the glory of god, things distract me and make me want to lose my patience. this morning, it was my computer at home before I even got to work. the enemy tries all these tactics to get me distracted so I won't be as loving, patient, or compassionate with the customers I have to deal with. I have to be firm and steadfast and say "I can't come down," or maybe more appropriately, "I cannot be brought down." so very hard to do, but I am trying. I know I can't do it alone.
EVERYDAY! You are right on…those irritating little darts from the bow of the enemy can accumulate and stall the work of The Lord in our everyday ministries. Praying for you jesusgirl!
I totally agree Jesusgirl & Carolynmimi!
Building the kingdom and focus. I had recently read a blog where the blogger commented that if all that we do isn't about building God's Kingdom, then we're only building our own kingdoms. Then last night I listened to a great preach on "Maintaining Your Focus" and this morning, this devo. It's awesome, we need to be reminded of what we are building and for whom and where our focus needs to be. I don't think it means we all need to leave our jobs and go to Africa, but I think it helps us evaluate and analyze what we're doing and why and what our priorities are. Will we be storing up treasures in heaven or only on earth? How are we building the kingdom of God in our own surroundings and workplace? What is our focus on? What are we perservering for and using our determination for?
Our lives here are fleeting, things can change at any moment, but the only thing that is unchanging and ever faithful is our God and He is the best boss there is!
Wow, ladies, God totally spoke to me today through this message. I don't think it can be any clearer. Here is a brief summary of how He talked to me: I just graduated law school, am about to take the Bar, and am looking forward to working a few years in a big corporate firm and earning some money before seeking a new route. My calling recently has been to do big things for God and maybe take my lawyer skills to a non-profit doing God's work. I just know I will be more fulfilled there. But that's such a huge risk…especially when I haven't begun my career and laid a foundation yet. So, naturally, I've been praying about it. After yesterday's devotional about standing up for injustice in the world, I literally prayed "God, if my plan (above) is not your will, please remove it from my heart."
Then, today, the first words of the devotional were "I thought I knew all about determination in my life. Earning that degree. Passing that Bar. Getting that job….but that was building my wall, not God's wall."
Could God be any clearer, ladies?! I seriously got chills as I sat down to read that today. Praying for guidance!!
Wow! Allison, gives me chills too! Ask God and He does answer and direct our paths.
I love those moments when God speaks to us in unexpected ways. How sweet is that?! Praying that the Lord will give you even more clarity in the days and weeks to come.
wow, wow, wow what a lesson. I pray the spirit of Nehemiah on all leaders. I am doing a good work and I will not come down. As a leader he has insight and discernment. He lead his workers by example and he pray and cover them.
I also pray for that persistence and determination in my life that regardless of what may the enemy may try he will not shake us. We will be steadfast and unmovable always abounding in the word of the Lord.
Thanks you Lord for this word. Amen
These words came to me this morning:
Against all odds, I stand before you
Against the storm, you strengthen me
And when the words whirl round to halt me
Your love and grace, they set me free.
I will stand clothed here in your armor
For your will abides in me
And even if I'm bowed and bloody
My hope in Christ will never flee.
I will not leave the work you've given
Tho' threatened harm by friend and foe
I will not leave the work you've given
For where oh Lord would I go.
Against all forces, both flesh and spirit
Against the storm, you fight for me
And then what can ever harm me
Your Love and Grace they set me free.
I need a title and then I think I will post it on my blog, which I am trying to figure out how to use. Can my SRT Sisters help me with this? Very bad with titles.
Me too, againt all odds!
Very beautiful! I love it. You could call it "Set Free"
As I read your poem this theme is what stood out:
"Against All" or "Against All Odds"
Thanks, on my blog. You are all so super. http://ckisler.wordpress.com/
So absolutely what i needed thank u