Scripture to Read: Nehemiah 2:16
After surveying the wall of Jerusalem and the gates, we read that Nehemiah had kept his surveying expedition pretty secret. No one knew where Nehemiah had gone or what he had been doing. We know Nehemiah had been checking on the extent of the damage to the wall and the gates. The word used in Nehemiah 2:13 and Nehemiah 2:15 is the word “inspected,” which is a medical term for “probing a wound to see the extent of its damage.” Nehemiah knew this was going to be a difficult job, but he also knew that it had to be done. When God calls us to do the hard work of ministry, we have to guard against becoming overwhelmed by the hard work. God even tells us in Galatians 6:9-10, “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. 10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.” Serving our Lord is going to be hard at times. There are going to be ministries that seem too big, seem to cost too much, or beyond our capabilities. God Almighty is the God of impossibilities. God reminds us in Luke 1:37, “For nothing will be impossible with God.” We must do our work in a manner that honors and glorifies Him and trust Him no matter how hard or big the ministry might seem.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about facing ministries that seem overwhelming at times?
2. What ministry have you been putting off that you know now God has called you to fulfill?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!