If you allow your perception of circumstances to trump God’s TRUTH, in essence you’ve allowed the enemy’s lies to become your reality.
“So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.” ~James 4:7, 10 NLT
“When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven. Then I said, ‘O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of unfailing love with those who love him and obey his commands, listen to my prayer! Look down and see me praying night and day for your people Israel. I confess that we have sinned against you. Yes, even my own family and I have sinned! We have sinned terribly by not obeying the commands, decrees, and regulations that you gave us through your servant Moses. Please remember what you told your servant Moses: ‘If you are unfaithful to me, I will scatter you among the nations. But if you return to me and obey my commands and live by them, then even if you are exiled to the ends of the earth, I will bring you back to the place I have chosen for my name to be honored.’” ~ Nehemiah 1:4-9
What can we learn from Nehemiah’s prayer?
1. He acknowledges the character of God. (1:5)
2. He confesses his sin (1:6-7)
3. He prays for an opportunity (1:11)
What obstacles do we face like Nehemiah?
1. He faced ridicule. (4:1-3)
2. He faced fatigue. (4:10)
What should we do when we face these obstacles? Here’s what we learn from Nehemiah…(4:4-5, 14, 15)
1. He relied on God.
2. He reorganized.
3. He told the people to fight with the sword in one hand and work with the other with Gods power.
4. They refused to quit.
There will be no opportunity without opposition. What is it in your life that Satan would love for you to give up on?
Your future is not determined by the opinions of others. Your future is in the hands of God. Pray as if it depends on God, and work as if it depends on you. Remember who you belong to!
In Nehemiah, chapter 8, Nehemiah assembled with a unified purpose. He and his fellow brothers and sisters made a commitment to live and learn in community. They made a commitment to confess their sins. Once you’ve confessed your sins and poured your heart out to God, don’t stay there…RISE UP! Look up and take our Savior’s hand! Don’t focus on your failures. Rely on God’s faithfulness! Anticipate His presence.
READ Nehemiah 6:1-6, 8-12, 15
What takes us off course? What is causing us to leave our commitments? Are you going to allow distractions to make you lose the purpose that God wants to fulfill in and through you? Are you making a 1st rate commitment to 10th rate stuff?
We need to apply laser like focus – know what you value and then live by your values. Define your non-negotiables.
The key components to success are prayer and the Word of God. Are you going to let the opinion (gossip) of others stop you from being all that God has called you to be?
Speak the truth in love. Be a part of the solution. Pray and ask God to strengthen you from the inside out. Don’t let the words of those that are trying to discourage or oppress you succeed. Our almighty God will deal with them. God is in control.
Are you allowing fear to paralyze you? It comes down to faith vs. fear! What are we allowing to win? Never give up on your passion. Yes, give up all those things that hinder your walk, but never, ever give up on God! He never gave up on you! Our life matters to God
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I’ve got one shot! Am I living for an audience of ONE?
LIFE IS AN OCCASION…RISE TO IT!
Rod & Rose 