1 TIMOTHY 3:16-17

"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us...God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work."

Sunday, April 22, 2012

NEHEMIAH - Let's Get Busy!

I get by with a little help from my friends.

Oh, how true that is –

We're not supposed to live this life on our own. Of course, we have God with us, every step of the way. But we also have each other.

Today's "Bible Pick 'Ems" comes from the book of Nehemiah.

I just love it when God brings me a message in the middle of the Old Testament.

I found the verses He had led me to, but I read the chapters before to get some background information.

Jerusalem lies in ruins. The exiles have returned to their land, but it is in a decimated and ravaged condition.

But God laid a message on Nehemiah's heart – He told him an audacious plan. He wanted Nehemiah to rebuild…

So, in the middle of the night, Nehemiah snuck out with a few other intrepid souls, to inspect the broken walls and burned gates of the city. Rubble was everywhere…

But Nehemiah did not see the impossibility in the ruined heaps –

Because he had heard the Voice of the One who could turn it into a "Him-possibility." And now, in the quiet, wee hours of the night, he whispered to those few souls surrounding him…

"Psst. You know very well what trouble we're in. But God has spoken to me. Let's rebuild the wall and end this disgrace!"

And I just love how the friends replied…

"YES! Let's rebuild the wall!"

So they began the good work…

No hesitation, no doubting, no committee meeting, no vote – unbridled enthusiasm and God-sized faith.

And boy oh boy – did they get busy!!

The entire 3rd chapter of Nehemiah is a listing of people who worked –
a Who’s Who of some of the faithful…

…each one working on "their section" – taking care of their responsibility.

Now Sanballat was very angry about this.

Sanballat was the governor of Samaria. He may have hoped to become governor of Judea as well, but Nehemiah's arrival spoiled his plans.

Listen to his rant – "What does this bunch of poor, feeble Jews think they're doing? Do they actually think they can make something out of stones from a rubbish heap – and charred ones at that?"

Well, yes – evidently that's exactly what they thought – because God was with them.

Today’s "Bible Pick 'Ems" comes from Nehemiah 4:4-6:

"Then I [Nehemiah] prayed, 'Hear us, our God, for we are being mocked. May their scoffing fall back on their heads…for they have provoked you to anger here in front of the builders.' At last the wall was completed to half its height around the entire city, for the people had worked with enthusiasm."

Friends, we are the Body of Christ – we are the builders. And we must work with enthusiasm and dedication.

We must work without fear –

We must work side by side, determined…each doing his or her part.

The enemy will be outraged by this – (isn't that kinda motivation in itself?!)

He will mock us – but He will not stop us.

Let's get out there and work on our section of the wall – doing what God has called us to do – our part. We’re working next to each other, alongside our brothers and sisters…

…and we have God with us, every step of the way.

Are you guys with me?


What "impossible" task is God asking you to get to work on?


"When in doubt, search God out!"

3 comments:

  1. I love your consistency to do your part through your writing, it shows your courage. Thank you for gently reminding us of our purpose through Nehemiah and making this lesson simple to understand. Thank you!

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  2. Ohhh blessings Sharon,

    I believe this also was a timely post with my "WALLS" being built here and Karen's new "Leaping Over Walls" blog and your wonderful wisdom with Nehemiah. I love the background you give and the lessons you teach through your Bible Pick'ems and gift of writing. You definitely are "doing what God has called you to do" and are building us up, even equipping us in His Word to add just another "brick in the wall"... I'm with ya' as always (just a little late)...

    What "impossible" task is God asking you to get to work on? moving beyond my walls or staying within my walls confined by the heat but shadowed under His Almighty wings as I wait... looks like I'm not going home this year... (sigh) so I hold on for whatever God has for me here and trust His Omnipotence and Omniscience that He loves me
    and I know that there is much to do here, I'm just not up to doing it or moving about.
    So we'll see. Meanwhile enjoying each day in His grace and glory and loving the sun (even though I can't be out in it that much)!

    Ohhh and you're so right about the motivation in that it makes the enemy outraged... that definitely fires me up! You are such an inspirational writer and encourager. Hope that God continues to use you and lift you up to build the rest of us.

    Much love and thanks... with a sweet hug and smile :0)... just knowing you're there and building, you encourage me always with your words,
    Peggy

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"So I have been greatly encouraged in the midst of my troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives me new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How I thank God for you!"
(1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!