Has God put a desire in your heart? Has He made it so crystal-clear that you know for sure it came from Him?
Did things go great at first, but then problems started to arise? If things don’t go the way you expect, don’t begin to doubt what you first believed. Do not doubt yourself and your ability to accomplish the task.
Remember: God never does things the way we think He will. Just because problems arise doesn’t mean we should give up. In fact, I think it would be safe to say, problems will definitely arise!
Nehemiah spoke about “what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem.” (Nehemiah 2:12)
God put it in Nehemiah’s heart to rebuild Jerusalem. Do you think he may have run into a few problems? Of course he did!
We are instructed to learn from the past. “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” Romans 15:4 NIV
When God puts it in our heart to do something, we can expect a spiritual battle to be right around the corner.
At first, everything happened quickly and easily for Nehemiah. The king granted all of his requests: letters to the various governors to provide safe travel and permission to take lumber from the king’s forest. The king even sent army officers and cavalry along with him on his journey to Jerusalem.
When Nehemiah asked the people to take on the great challenge to rebuild the wall, they enthusiastically agreed. They “worked with all their heart” (Nehemiah 4:6) and repaired the walls. Things were going great!
Then opposition began. The people were ridiculed mercilessly. “What are those feeble Jews doing? (Nehemiah 4:2) The enemy will always attack you personally. Who do you think you are? You can’t do that!
The enemies plotted together to stir up trouble. The strength of the laborers began to give out. What they started doing with all their heart, they began to doubt their ability to accomplish. They began to fear their enemies. (See Nehemiah 4:10-12)
Does any of this sound familiar? Because this is exactly how things work today! Be encouraged because things are right on track.
When the enemy came against them, “Each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked.” Nehemiah 4:18
When spiritual forces come against us, we must take up the Sword of the Spirit as we work. What does that mean for us? The Word of God and prayer are our weapons against the enemy.
By staying in the Word, we can hear the voice of God. Through prayer, we commune with the Almighty, which is intimate communication and the sharing of thoughts.
“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword…” Hebrews 4:12
“Take ..the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God … and pray” Ephesians 6:17-18
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” 1 Peter 4:12
Is my faith being tested? Will I still believe what God has said when the enemy comes against me? Am I trying to accomplish something in my own strength? Or am I trusting Him to do it, knowing that my part is obedience?
Paul said, “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion…” Philippians 1:6 NIV
Put your trust in God, pray and read the Word. Now carry on, Christian Soldier!
Read about Nehemiah’s determination to rebuild Jerusalem in the book of Nehemiah.
With Love, Cindy
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