A Heart for the Work (Part 4)
- Nehemiah continued the work during many troubles.
When we work for God, troubles WILL come. We will have the same troubles as most other people, but we will also have troubles because we follow Jesus. Nehemiah had many troubles, but he just continued. Nehemiah faced:
A. Mocking – Neh 4:1-6 The enemies mocked and laughed at God’s work. Nehemiah prayed and continued.
B. Fear – Neh 4:7-23 The enemies decided to attack and hurt the workers. Fear would cause the people to stop the work. But Nehemiah spoke to them and encouraged them to trust in God. Half of the people worked and the other people guarded the workers. Nehemiah prayed and the work continued.
C. Discouragement – Neh 4:10 The people said, “It is TOO hard.” Discouragement happens to us all. We need to remember that the work may be hard, but God is stronger than the worst problem we have.
David said it this way, Psalm 42:11 “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.” Look to God!
D. People fighting and arguing – Neh 5:1-13 The people were being cheated by the merchants. The merchants were charging too much money. Nehemiah rebuked the merchants. He gave them a good example. Nehemiah paid for his own and other people’s food. Nehemiah prayed and the work continued.
E. Lies – Neh 6:1-14 Again the enemies tried to stop the work with 3 different lies. They wanted to meet Nehemiah. His answer: “And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?” (Neh 6:3). He continued his work no matter the lies.
Deaf ministry is hard work. There are many troubles. Many people do not understand. But, do not become discouraged. Continue your good work for God.
