Day 15
“…Do not
be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for
your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.”
Nehemiah
4:14
Discouragement
is a natural part of trying to accomplish something great. Physically, we get
tired. Mentally, we fatigue. Emotionally, we wear out. In these times we need
something solid to hold on to. We need something of substance that will help us
to believe again.
Nehemiah’s
team has been working for a number of days. They have used up all the rocks,
for the building of the wall, that were easily accessible. They are now having
to dig for rocks amongst the rubble. What was moving quickly has now become a
laborious task. Add to that, their enemies are making threats and causing them
to feel unsafe. As if that was not enough, their family members are growing
uneasy and pleading with them to come home.
Nehemiah
has to do something or his forces will soon disperse. He must find a way to
encourage them, to cause them to believe again. With the same wisdom he has
shown repeatedly, Nehemiah reminds them of what matters. First, he says, “do
not be afraid of them.” Second, he exhorts them to “Remember the Lord, who is
great and awesome.” Third, he tells them to remember what they are fighting for;
their families and their future. And finally, he says, remember your homes.
Often,
we can press through difficult times by remembering what is at stake. If God
has called you to something, you will likely experience the same things as
Nehemiah’s team. To over come this, remember the same things they were asked to
remember; fear is irrational, God is great, those coming behind that are
depending on you, and this will impact the place you live. With a right
perspective, we can accomplish great things.
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