Nehemiah prayed, obeyed and did the word. He continued seeking and asking for the mind and will of God. What happened when he faced the obstacles, confronted them and kept on praying? Out of chaos and broken relationships came organized corrected situations and relationships. We need to face our challenges, do right and ask for the Holy Spirit to help in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
We need to set an example of righteous living. First, each one must recognize that God is over all; He is Sovereign, Ruler, Lord and Master. The gift of His Son, Jesus, has empowered us to see our inability when we don’t have the Holy Spirit. We must be willing to believe, receive and see God’s holiness so we can deal with our sin. Together with Christ, we work out our salvation! Self can’t; BUT Jesus-in-us can! With and in union with Christ we become Overcomers! His great victory ushers purity into our hearts.
A dear friend, Bruce Borum, wrote to me: “I only speak that which I want to happen. Nobody likes suffering, but Romans 5:3-4 (NIV) says “suffering produces perseverance and perseverance produces character and character produces hope…’! “ The word hope (in this text) in Greek means “confident expectation of good outcome”. I found Bruce’s letter stuck in one of my many bibles. It was dated Nov. 21, 2012.
Bruce and I had agreed and were standing on Job 36:32 (NRSV) that God would “command” the lightening “to strike the mark” for our agreed goal. Many of you know I continue to use this scripture today. But, 6 months ago my eyes fell on Job 36:15 (GNB) which states, “But God teaches people through suffering and uses distress to open their eyes.” Back then I knew about suffering, but did not recognize or even see the word distress.
Yes, God is still perfecting me. All of this encourages me! Bruce then quoted Jonah 2:9 (NIV), “But I, with song of Thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the Lord.” I shared this note with Bruce’s wife and asked to quote it.
“The thief cometh… to steal…kill…and destroy…I am come that they might have life…more abundantly.” (John 10:10, KJV) Much hope is given to us as we study God’s word. We are told to praise Him with songs, voice, dance and instruments in good and bad times. Blatantly living contrary to God’s guidelines, mandates and instructions will not produce joy. Another friend recently stated, “The Christian life is not for sissies.”
God, our Father, chose us to fight the good fight of faith. Are we choosing to defeat Satan by praising God at all times? Sometimes balancing discipline with love can become frustrating. Don’t give up! ASK for the Holy Spirit to help in Jesus’ name for the result in 1 Peter 1:8 “You love Him… and you believe in Him… so rejoice with a great and glorious joy…”