I love the Word of God. God is so good to bring timely messages to my heart. As this is merely a journal of my personal devotional life, I must simply continue to record what God uses to feed my soul. I am praying and studying toward a verse-by-verse exposition of either Nehemiah or Acts once we finish our summer worship series. I have begun reading through Nehemiah while here in North Carolina, and want to share some of the encouragement I have recieved.
This is a word for those facing criticism. If anyone ever experienced the nastiness of nay-sayers, it was Nehemiah. Called by God to do a great work of God, he was surrounded by those who questioned his ability, who questioned his motives, and who questioned his leadership authority. There were two in particular that spread the word and begun to rally people against Nehemiah. I'm sure for Sanballat and Tobiah and those that were a party to their dissension, it seemed like "everybody" was unhappy with Nehemiah. You know why? Because to them, they were "everybody." Negativity attracts and breeds negativity. Whoever you are surrounded by is your "everybody" because few else really matter for they are neither as smart or as Godly as you.
Anyway, Nehemiah gives a good word by example for we who also face such critical reviews.
- What God thinks is all that matters. Do not lead by consensus but by conviction, and let the chips fall where they may. When the criticism comes, just keep doing the work that God has called you to. (Verse 3)
- It's hard to keep going, however, when that criticism comes. It's much easier to go with the grain (consensus). To go merely on conviction, one must remain focused on the task, all the while praying that God would strengthen your hands as you seek to be obedient to Him. (Verse 9)
- Not only does ones hands need strengthening, but so does his heart. It's one thing to stay after the work; it's a another thing to be able to sleep at night when you're surrounded by critics. When you don't know who to trust, you must depend upon God to not only take care of you but also the enemies around you. So, rather than living in emotional fear, one must allow God to strengthen his heart. (Verse 10-14)
- Lastly, finish the work. Stay on course and finish the work. Never look back. Never go with consensus. Never fear the critics. Just finish the work. When all is said and done, if you have genuinely followed God in obedience, the enemy will know it--when the work is finished. (Verse 15-16)
I'm praying for all of you as we continue our worship study. May God mold us and make us into true worshipers, binding us together as a community of faith that He might use to impact many of our neighbors and friends this summer. I love you guys.
