The Test

The wall as completed in 52 days, on the 25th day of Elul. ( around the 2 October 445bc) When all our enemies heard this, all the surrounding nations were intimidated and lost their confidence, for they realised the task had been accomplished by our God. Nehemiah 6:15, 16

The whole of this chapter is a good read. The pressure mounts as Nehemiah nears completion. The enemies were desperate to stop him. There enemies within the camp who reported his movements, gave false prophesies, there were enemies without the camp that attempted to intimidate but Nehemiah hardened his heart to their lies and kept going. Yay!

What a victory! What a win! They had accomplished the task in 52 days. What task do you have to complete? What has God given you to do? Stay focussed! Dismiss the noise! Don't be intimidated! Amen!

I remember being at The MyC3 church Oxford Falls when they were renovating. In the main auditorium the roof was open and it rained and rained. We came rugged up in wet weather gear and were encouraged to keep coming, I did. No way would I stay away. My current church, Northwest Church Tamworth, NSW, Australia is about to embark on a similar journey and again we will see building through winter. We are being encouraged by the pastor to stay the distance and be involved. He is wise and knows what is coming.

A veteran builder knows that the test will come! I know last year as I stepped out to build a team in a new office in Tamworth we had drama: a brain anuerysm; open heart surgery; fractured pelvis; two relationship break-ups, sick families, financial hardship; pressing industry reforms and the list goes on. We made it through and now the windows of blessing are opening. Friday afternoon I bought a table tennis set and we had some fun.

We cannot give up or listen to the noise, after all it is only noise that distracts. Keep going! Amen!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Who Rules?

The princes of Judah are like those who move boundary markers, I will pout out my fury on them like water. Hosea 5:10 World leaders of church and state are now all highly visible. When they are not open to consultation or do not listen they make judgements that are judged as foolish by both God and man. In Australia we just celebrated Australia Day and at this time various people are honoured for their contribution to society. Our Prime Minister, Mr Abbott, without consultation, conferred a knighthood on the Queen of England's husband, Phillip. Almost to a person, Australians judged this to be foolish. Even supporters have now distanced themselves. Imagine what it is like when church leaders follow their own emotions or the emotions of their people and change what is acceptable to God. For example, no longer considering adultery something that precludes a man from ministry. We might think we are clever, but actually going with a sinful flow. Where is God in all this? My emotions ar...
Read more

Know Your Sword!

So he took Him to Jerusalem, had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, "if you are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here. For it is written: 'He will give His angels orders concerning You, to protect you, they will support You with their hands, so that you will not strike Your foot against a stone.' And Jesus answered him, "it is said: 'do not test The Lord your God." And the Devil had finished every temptation, he departed from Him for a time. Luke 4:9-11 In this third test Satan quoted scripture but Jesus knew His scripture and was not going to be deceived by his enemy twisting the truth. I am amazed at what Satan tempted Jesus with. He did not know Christ. He had succeeded in tempting the first Adam yet he was thwarted in this attempt. Jesus had lived 30 years and been tutored in godliness with contentment, he was prepared, baptised in the Spirit and sold out to the Father's purpose. Every time our enemy comes against us we ...
Read more

Little Things Grow

The boy's mother said to Elisha, "as The Lord lives and you yourself live, I will not leave you. So he got up and followed her. 2 Kings 4:30 The Shunamite woman had travelled to Mt Carmel to find Elisha after the death of her son. Although Elisha had sent his servant Gehazi to the boy with his staff the woman had come to find Elisha and was not leaving without him. I like this lady's spirit. I am sure The Lord God Almighty also valued her heart. She had a heart for God and made room for Him in her world. Now, having lost her son she knew what to do: find Elisha and not let him go until he came to restore her son. What made the Shunamite woman believe that Elisha could raise her son? Was it the same faith that made her provide him a place to stay in her home? I believe it was God working in her life. I am grateful for her faith, I can read and be encouraged. We do not know her name yet her story lives in scripture. What a little thing it was to feed Elisha and then provide ...
Read more