Staying the Course

Nehemiah 4:10-11, 15 (ESV)
 
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.”
 
When our enemies heard that it was known to us and that God had frustrated their plan, we all returned to the wall, each to his work.
 
 
Reflection

Have you ever been so focused on what you were doing that nothing could take your attention away? That’s how I was when working on an art project. When creativity would be on my mind, minutes became hours. My art piece would take all my time and energy until I was satisfied with the outcome. However, that was when I was in college, living on my own, and art was what I lived and breathed. The reality is that after graduation, life gets busy with marriage, long hours at work, early mornings, and raising a kid with all his activities. Distractions happen, and for me, drawing and painting are not on my mind as much as they once were.
Unlike my unmotivated response to restart my art career, Nehemiah traveled to Israel with a plan. God gave him the passion, resources, knowledge, and manpower to rebuild the broken walls of Jerusalem. The rebuild was not what the neighboring countries wanted to see, but Nehemiah prayed, receiving wisdom to keep moving forward with the project, not allowing the opposition to slow him down. And know this, opposition and distractions will always happen when working to further God’s Kingdom. The key is to stay focused on the task and keep seeking God. The enemy will oppose anything that brings God glory! Nehemiah stayed the course and finished the wall in record time.
Each one of us is unique, with different skills that God has given us. You may not be an artist or even a builder, but I know God has given you a talent for a specific purpose. He wants us to use our gifts to honor Him. My Art Education degree gave me the opportunity to work with children. I learned that I had a desire to teach, and that desire led my wife and me to be leaders in children’s ministry. I love how God brings all of our life experiences together. Jesus loves each one of us, and He wants us to share that love with others. Whatever you do or wherever you find yourself, always point your success back to God.
 
Action Step
 
What calling has God placed on your life? It may not be the most popular choice, but many things for God’s Kingdom never are. Remember to stay the course, fix your eyes on Jesus, and finish the task.  
 
 
Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for being a God who knows and loves us. You have given us every resource we need to accomplish Your work here on earth. Thank you for Your Spirit that empowers and encourages us in difficult times. When opposition tries to distract or divert our attention from You, give us the strength to persevere. In Your mighty Name, amen.