As we finish this week on progressing in these different times let us encourage one another by revisiting a famous incident in history.
In the book of Nehemiah chapter 4 and verses 1-2 we read this; Sanballat was very angry when he learned that we were rebuilding the wall. He flew into a rage and mocked the Jews, saying in front of his friends and the Samaritan army officers, “What does this bunch of poor, feeble Jews think they’re doing? Do they think they can build the wall in a single day by just offering a few sacrifices? Do they actually think they can make something of stones from a rubbish heap and charred ones at that?”
Let me ask you have you ever been ridiculed or humiliated in public?
From the text, there are three questions asked in ridicule
- What does this bunch of poor, feeble Jews think they’re doing?
- Do they think they can build the wall in a single day by just offering a few sacrifices?
- Do they actually think they can make something of stones from a rubbish heap and charred ones at that?”
Progression could well have stopped there, but it did not. Why? There are three reasons why progress was maintained.
First, we are informed that the people had a mind to work. Their mindset was to finish the project no matter what opposition was in place or how slow the progress would be. We need to learn from this lesson, in the fact if we are determined in mindset not to allow our present difficulties to overcome us, we too, no matter how slow the progress is. can see a time when we will be united again.
Secondly, they had the heart to pray. Nehemiah faced criticism. He did two significant things in response to the criticism. He prayed and he persisted verses 4-6. He took his setbacks to God in prayer and then he stayed at the task. His prayer and his persistence were the keys in seeing these walls rebuilt. This man of courage and faith teaches us a lesson on stick-ability. He was committed to his call.
Remember earlier in the week I mentioned Prayer Persistence and Patience. Well here they are here and because they adopted these principles rapid progress was made.
How many know without prayer nothing can be achieved?
Thirdly and finally they had an eye to watch. He posted sentries on the gate day and night.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
You know in these different times we are facing we can easily become discouraged. I know at times I have felt it. It is easy to take our eyes off the ball. As we say our focus goes. We need to keep our eyes turned on Jesus, the hope of our faith, trusting in Him that we like Nehemiah will rebuild our wall no matter what comes against us. It is true if God is for us who can be against us? That does not mean we will not have difficult or trials. It means in all of these we have someone in our boat taking the oars and seeing us to the other side.
Be not discouraged I am with you always right up to the very end. So, let us have a mind to work, a heart to prayer and an eye to watch.
Stay safe and Blessed