Stay the Course

Have you ever received bad news or harsh criticism while you were preparing and laboring for important work projects? Or perhaps, something distracted you while trying to focus on a major examination. How do you remain anchored and stay on task despite the challenges?

Nehemiah had a calling to see through the rebuilding of the wall. Resistance to the work began as soon as the rebuilding resumed. As the wall neared completion, Nehemiah now faced threats to his own safety and integrity. His enemies attempted to distract and draw him away from the wall four times. They threatened to falsely accuse him of rebellion. Tobiah even sent a false prophecy to deceive Nehemiah to enter the temple. They wanted to frighten Nehemiah into self-preservation, distract him, and trick him into sin.

With each attempt, we see how Nehemiah earnestly sought God. Because he sought God’s approval above all else, he could rest in confidence when others tried to discredit him. He also prayed for God to strengthen the work of his hands. Even when faced with a threat to his life, Nehemiah resolved not to sin.

Opposition and critics will come as we choose to follow God’s ways. For some, our choices may convict others of their own lack of faith. For others, our values and lifestyle may draw attention to things in their lives they would rather not acknowledge.

Amidst such assaults on our character, let us courageously stand firm in God and keep a clear conscience before Him. Keeping our integrity before God is very much like staying focused on a task – we remember who and what matters and disregard the things that do not. We can either follow Nehemiah’s example of trusting in God, or we can be distracted by fears and doubts that seek to steer us off course.

As Nehemiah hung onto God and remained true to His calling, the wall was seen through to completion. Similarly, as we humbly ask God to strengthen us during challenging moments, we trust that God will see His work in our lives through to completion. Let us place our confidence in Him: we must keep ourselves focused not only on who He has called us to be but also on what He has called us to do.

Pray Together

As we follow God, let us remember it is He who has called us, and it is a blessed life that He is leading us to. Pray that we will remain focused as we faithfully and bravely persevere through any trials:
because God is worthy.