Keep Building, When the Enemy Turns Against You.
Rev. Enoch Thompson | November 13, 2023 | Nehemiah 4:1-6
KEY VERSE:
So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart. Nehemiah 4:6 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
When we face opposition, obstruction and impediments in the path God has given us to tread there is the need to pray as Nehemiah did. But praying should not stop us from proceeding with the task assigned to us. Many people have given up and been stopped because they faced enemies and distractors along the way.
Apart from praying, Nehemiah insisted that the work continued. They continued because they were sure that rebuilding the wall was the right and godly thing to do. They continued rebuilding because they were praying and trusting God to give them success. Take note that because they prayed they continued working.
Opposition should not make us lose the vision that we originally had. Nehemiah looked forward to a specific height of the rebuilt wall, and he kept that vision before him. With the original vision in mind, he could say, “So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height.” It was half the height at that point, a measurable inspiration for continuing and finishing the task.
Opposition has the power to take away the initial zeal and excitement of the assignment we have taken up under God. When that happens, the work is done haphazardly and grudgingly. The high spirits of Nehemiah encouraged his people to work, and “the people worked with all their heart.”
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Look beyond the naysayers, trust in God, keep the vision alive and keep your spirits high. God is with you, and you will succeed. Be inspired by God, and become an inspiration for others, at home, at church and work.
PRAYER:
Dear Father in Heaven, God who never fails, there is nothing that can stop your purposes. Thank you that I am reliant on you and that victory is assured. Please help me to keep trusting you, and to keep working, till victory becomes my reality. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: HEART
In Nehemiah 4:6, the Hebrew word for "heart" is "לֵב" (leb). The term "לֵב" appears frequently in the Old Testament and carries a rich semantic range. In this context, it goes beyond the anatomical sense and delves into the innermost part of a person, the seat of thoughts, emotions, and will.
The biblical usage of the term "heart" reveals a multifaceted concept in diverse contexts throughout Scripture. The following are a few examples
Proverbs 4:23 (NIV): "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." Here, the heart is depicted as the source of actions and emphasizes the need to protect it, indicating a unity of purpose in guiding one's life.
Joshua 1:9 (NIV): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." The call for strength and courage is often associated with having a steadfast heart.
Psalm 119:10-11 (NIV): "I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." Here, the heart becomes the repository of God's word, signifying devotion and commitment.
Exploring the term "heart" in Nehemiah 4:6 reveals a deep spiritual meaning of unity, courage and devotion in the face of challenges.
Unity and Purpose: The unity of purpose among the builders in Nehemiah's time teaches us the significance of shared goals in any community or endeavour. When hearts are aligned towards a common objective, there is strength, resilience, and a higher likelihood of success.
Courage in Adversity: The association of "heart" with courage reminds us that facing challenges requires not just physical strength but inner fortitude. In our own lives, challenges may come, but a steadfast heart, unwavering in its commitment, can overcome obstacles.
Devotion to a Cause: The notion of the heart as the centre of devotion prompts us to reflect on our own priorities. What are we devoted to? Where does our heart lie? Just as the builders were devoted to the task of rebuilding, we should consider our devotion to the things that truly matter.
Reflections:
What is currently the centre of devotion in your own heart, and how does it influence your actions and decisions?
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