Up Against A Wall?

[karen_trustlord]

********************************************************
********************************************************
Dec 17, 2004
Up Against A Wall?




Nehemiah 6:9, 15-16 They were all trying to frighten us, thinking,
"Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed."

But I prayed, "Now strengthen my hands." ...

So the wall was completed, in fifty-two days. When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God.

The story of Nehemiah building the wall reminds me how important prayer, perseverance and God's grace are. God gave him a monumental task. While carrying out God's will to rebuild the Jerusalem wall, he had little but his faith to lean on in difficult times. His enemies attacked first with insults and threats, hoping that words alone would prevent God's work from being finished. Nehemiah countered with prayers and continued effort. Satan's distractions did not dispel Nehemiah's intent or focus on doing God's work.

It is much the same today. Most of us are very comfortable, but need to focus on God's will and be willing to set out on uncomfortable, uncertain journeys to accomplish His works. The enemy will try to discourage us. It's at this time we need to remember to pray and focus on God's will for our lives. If we seek Him and trust Him we'll receive the grace and strength from Him to complete His task and bring Him glory.

Next time you are up against the wall, remember Nehemiah, bend your knees and heart toward God and trust Him for the grace and strength to persevere!

___________

Lord, help each of us remember Nehemiah when we feel like we are up against the wall. Grant each of us the wisdom to seek Your will and the faith to act on it. Help each trust in You to accomplish Your means, and to be used by You. Grant each of us a seeking and obedient heart and the love through which You conquered all. Thank You for Your grace and strength to persevere. In the name of Jesus Christ.
********************************************************
********************************************************

 

[Busybee]

It is much the same today. Most of us are very comfortable, but need to focus on God's will and be willing to set out on uncomfortable, uncertain journeys to accomplish His works. The enemy will try to discourage us. It's at this time we need to remember to pray and focus on God's will for our lives. If we seek Him and trust Him we'll receive the grace and strength from Him to complete His task and bring Him glory.

Next time you are up against the wall, remember Nehemiah, bend your knees and heart toward God and trust Him for the grace and strength to persevere!

Thank you so much Karen. I definitely needed this devotional as I'm doing bible studies with my mother and she has a long way to go. I've found myself drained at times in dealing with her justifications of sins, but this devotional, along with the answer the Holy Spirit gave me concerning the matter has given me a renewed strength and desire to push on with her.

 

[Macewindu77815]

Very true...my youth group has been studying Nehemiah on Sundays...what a great book!

 

[karen_trustlord]

Thursday night I wanted to give up on something I think the Lord is asking me to do. I basically told the Lord that I'm not strong enough to finish the task before me. I asked for reasurrance or a change of direction, when I got home I read this:

If God brings you to it - He will give you His grace to bring you thru it.

And then saw Nehemiah's story. Notice how the detractors claimed he was too weak to finish the job. Instead of giving up, Nehemiah asked for more strength.

God is good, I did the same thing -- asked for more strength and trudged forward.
This is good to remember any time you feel weak.

2 Corinthians 12:9 My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.

My weakness, like Nehemiah's, is a good place for God's power & strength to shine thru!


Pressing On!
Karen