SCRIPTURE: NEHEMIAH 4:10
“In Judah it was said, ‘The strength of those who bear the burdens is failing. There is too much rubble. By ourselves we will not be able to rebuild the wall.’ And our enemies said, ‘They will not know or see till we come among them and kill them and stop the work.’”
OBSERVATION:
Our commitment will be tested by opposition, but there are several different kinds of resistance we will find in our lives. Resistance will challenge our commitment to the vision and can oftentimes lead to discouragement. God wants us to understand that we do not need to be afraid; we just need to stay committed.
Nehemiah and the Jewish people experienced resistance in two ways in this passage of scripture. The first was resistance from within. They began to say to each other that the task was too great and the work too much for them to complete. The first thing we must do is defeat discouragement inside of ourselves. There will be moments along this journey where the task seems too great and the cost too much. Know that God is with you and He will give you victory if you stay committed.
The second is resistance from the outside. Many times this can come from people who simply have nothing encouraging to say. Often, when you begin to make sacrifices for God, the people around you will not understand. They will ask why you are so committed to this. Don’t allow outside voices to discourage your faith and the things God is doing in you and through you. Tell yourself, as Nehemiah told the people, “Do not be afraid and remember the Lord.” He will strengthen your commitment today.
APPLICATION:
Are you experiencing resistance today? Take time to identify where it is coming from. Is the resistance that you are experiencing coming from inside or outside? After you identify it, bring it to God in prayer and let Him lead you. God wants to strengthen your commitment today.
PRAYER:
“Jesus, help me to not be afraid and to remember that you are in charge. I turn to you for the strength to overcome the resistance in my life. Help me to live by faith and trust you more and more each day.”