The Christian life is not always an easy one. While our hope in Jesus Christ is secure and ever-present, we often go through seasons that can challenge us and draw our minds and hearts away from the hope we have.
When I am in the middle of one of these challenging seasons, I often turn to the story of Nehemiah. The book of Nehemiah takes place during the Jewish exile and Nehemiah, an exile himself, leads a group back to Jerusalem to rebuild the city’s wall (Neh 1).
In spite of Nehemiah’s dedication to the Lord and to his people and in spite of his enthusiasm to do the good work of rebuilding the wall ((Neh 2:17-18), Nehemiah faces obstacle after obstacle in pursuit of his goal.
– Marcia Steele
The Body A Temple
The work is difficult. His team is undermanned and thin on supplies. Enemies from surrounding communities work to sabotage the work (Neh 4:7-8) and to turn Nehemiah’s own team against him (Neh 4:11-12; Neh 6). Even Nehemiah’s fellow countrymen start to turn on him as times get tough.
Yet Nehemiah stays the course. He faces each new frustration with confidence and strength (Neh 6:3-4), rooted in his trust that God will help him with his work (Neh 6:9). In spite all of the setbacks, Nehemiah and his team finish the wall. They pave the way for their people to return home (Neh 7). Their work brings about a nationwide celebration (Neh 8) and a return to the God of Israel (Neh 9).
As you face the difficult seasons of life, take encouragement from Nehemiah to stay the course. Abide in God’s presence trusting that He will lead you past the obstacles, and that there is hope and blessing on the other side.
