Dare to Obey

So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul,

in fifty-two days. And when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations

around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem, for they

perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God.

Nehemiah 6:15-16

Is there anything more exciting than seeing God move in a powerful way to accomplish what otherwise seemed impossible? To see God step in and do on our behalf what we could not do on our own creates a sense of awe and humility all at once. This was the very experience of Nehemiah and the people he served with.

Nehemiah had set his mind to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem. Others had tried before him and failed. Even now, some thought Nehemiah had lost his mind and others made it their life purpose to oppose him. However, the task that Nehemiah had set his mind to was one to which God had clearly called him. With this clear sense of calling, Nehemiah set about the task of rebuilding.

A quick read of the book of Nehemiah reveals that he faced all sorts of obstacles. He had to gather resources, recruit people, deal with opposition, and keep the construction project moving forward in general. There was plenty of opportunity for Nehemiah to get tired and frustrated. However, Nehemiah kept pressing on while often turning to prayer. Nehemiah’s persistence and dependence on the Lord paid off. He tells us that, “the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days” (Nehemiah 6:15). Not only did Nehemiah finish the project, he did it in an amount of time that no one thought possible. In fact, he goes on to say, “when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem, for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God” (Nehemiah 6:16).

It is my heart felt conviction that any follower of Christ has a call on his/her life. God has a purpose for you. However, rarely is that purpose easy to accomplish. God’s call is intended to shape us and form us. Development of an individual does not take place in ease. It is through the challenges and struggles that we learn to depend on God. As you explore God’s call on your life, know that like Nehemiah, you will have to lean on the Lord. However, as you do, God will bring you through. In the end, your perseverance and God’s faithfulness will become your testimony to others. Dare to step out in faith as Nehemiah did.

Just Be Quiet

The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.

Exodus 14:14

It is interesting to observe how often we, as professed believers of the Lord, verbally express a lack of faith. Oh, we claim to believe that we trust God, but let things begin to go wrong. We will complain, discuss, and make our case. I wonder how often our Lord is disappointed at our response. How often is our “discussion” actually a lack of faith? How often is it an expression of feeling alone and left to circumstance?

We are not alone in this weakness. The nation of Israel had been held captive in Egypt for 430 years. They had watched God move and work on their behalf through a series of ten plagues. Now God is ready to set them free. He has allowed them to escape the hand of Pharaoh, though Pharaoh has given chase. The people of Israel have come to the edge of the Red Sea and Pharaoh and his troops are closing in. The people then say to Moses, “Is it because there are not graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness?” (Exodus 14:11). Moses responds, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today” (Exodus 14:13). And then Moses gives them this promise, “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent” (Exodus 14:14).

The people of Israel had watched as God carried out the ten plagues on Egypt. They had seen God deliver them from captivity. Over and over they had seen God’s hand of provision. But now, they find themselves between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s army and their faith falters. They begin to grumble and complain, but Moses tells them to be quiet. Their complaining showed a lack of faith. Moses said, “God is going to fight for us, so just hush.”

I find this story to be rather convicting. As I look at my own life I see how often I complain, or make my case, or just try to make sure others know how wrong someone has treated me. However, if I look closely, I must admit that my own tendency to speak out in these circumstances is a lack of faith. I am wanting someone to make my case, or at least to feel sorry for me. I wonder what God might do in my life if I would just learn that I “have only to be silent.” Am I alone?

On Seeking Righteousness

As it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one;

no one understands; no one seeks for God.

All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;

No one does good, not even one.

Romans 3:10-12

Scriptures depiction of our hearts is not a pretty one. It clearly states, that left to our own devices, we would have nothing to do with God. We lack righteousness, understanding, desire, and value. However, by God’s grace these things to not have to be true.

We must come to the point that we recognize our sinfulness. We must recognize that there is nothing in us that would pursue God. Therefore, if there is an urge within us to move toward God, it is the Holy Spirit at work within us. Such yearnings should not be ignored. To sense God’s movement within your heart is a holy moment. It is a moment that should be given our utmost attention.

At its foundation, the call of God is a call to surrender. It is to recognize the verdict that the passage above renders, and to seek God’s forgiveness. In seeking forgiveness, we then surrender our lives to the will and purposes of God. As we surrender, salvation is ours. If you sense God drawing you, especially and the fundamental level of surrendering to Him, do not turn a deaf ear. Hear the Lord and respond to Him.