Sermons
Words That Encourage
December 20, 2009
One of the greatest leaders in the Bible was Nehemiah. He hears of the ruin of the city of Jerusalem and decides to lead his people in the rebuilding of the wall around the city. His goal is met with fierce opposition yet he is still able, in 52 days, to motivate his people to complete the task. Perhaps we can take courage from his motivating words in our times of struggle
“You see the bad situation we are in… Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem that we may no longer be a reproach.” Neh. 2:17
Nehemiah saw firsthand what terrible shape the city and therefore the people were in. He simply reminded the people of the condition of the walls and the city to motivate them to do something about it.
We need to stop and evaluate where we are. Are the walls of our life in shambles? Are we a reproach to Christ by what others see in us? When we honestly see where we are and the shameful mess we are in, shouldn’t that turn our thinking toward getting out of our current situation? Nehemiah gave them the hope they needed to change their situation
“Do not be afraid of them; remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses.” Neh. 4:14
The people of the city were motivated by Nehemiah’s words to begin the effort. They worked feverishly and the wall was built to half its height in approximately 2 1/2 weeks but the trouble came. The surrounding nations began to increase their efforts to discourage the work by threatening the lives of the workers. Their efforts were successful. Nehemiah simply told the people to “remember the Lord, ” don’t forget what God can do, He will take care of us.
In and and every worthwhile effort, there will be opposition that forces that gut-wrenching decision to continue to do what is right or stop the effort. Let’s remember God and His power and why we are fighting the battle in the first place. Nehemiah mentions their families and homes, in our case, we may be fighting for our own spiritual strength, our families, or the church. Don’t forget God nor what the battle is about.
“The work is great and extensive, and we are separated on the wall far from one another. At whatever place you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.” Neh. 4:19-20
Nehemiah understood the enormity of the project and that their individual focus on their part of the work may leave them open to the enemy. Therefore, he set up a system by which they could come to each other’s aid. They depended on each other to complete the project. And lest the thought of the fight frighten any of them he reminded them that God would be there fighting for them
What about your battle to straighten out your life? When it gets hard and you are feeling overwhelmed and fearing that the enemy may gain victory over your soul… lean on your brother or sister in Christ. Call out to them for strength and help in the fight. Remember again who is fighting for you… God, and He will be victorious.
Nehemiah was an incredible individual. He accomplished in 52 days what had been left undone for decades by pointing out the problem, turning the people to God, and uniting them together to do the work. Let’s use the same formula to address the difficult issues in our lives
