June 17, 2024

Today's message in Nehemiah was timely for me. My posts have been throttled lately, and it's very discouraging when it seems that no one is reading them. I expect that it's because of their similarities to the issues of the United States. Without fear, I post them anyway. The encouragement was to keep going. 

Nehemiah was finished with the wall but hadn't hung the gates. Sanballat and the rest of Judah's enemies noticed how quickly they had shored up the wall, so they sought to stop the work by trying to call Nehemiah away and accusing him of trying to become king. Sanballat sent him several letters speaking kindly to him, trying to resolve the matter of his accusation, even going as far as to have an old prophet talk to him to encourage a meeting in the temple. Nehemiah used his discernment, knew it was wrong, and didn't fall for the lies but kept working. They finished the wall in fifty-two days! 

When God assigns you a task, cast aside fear and push through the negativity sown by the enemy. Remember, if you're not facing some form of challenge, you might not be making a significant impact. So, fear not, but persist in your God-given mission; He will pave the way even when it feels like you're treading water. Above all, remain obedient and work for the glory of God; He's the sole authority and will supply the strength for you to persevere in your service to Him. 

And, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. Therefore was he hired, that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin, and that they might have matter for an evil report, that they might reproach me. Nehemiah 6:12-13