Do you ever get worn out, weary, and ready to quit? I think I heard that chuckle. Occasionally, we all do. Why? Because, a life that is goal oriented and purposeful requires continual effort. Lawns, homes, and hearts must be maintained or they go to ruin; and honestly, that work is tiring. That is why the disciplined have an advantage. If we step up to do what needs to be done today, the work is manageable. But, if today’s chore gets thrown onto tomorrow, right along with the tasks of that day, in short order a little procrastination can create a monstrous mess!
God gave Nehemiah the job of leading the Jewish people in an effort to take a pile of rubble that was once Jerusalem and to turn it back into a beautiful city. He was miraculously given all the resources he needed. But, Nehemiah had to provide the sweat! He planned the work, enlisted the laborers, and resisted his critics. Then, his work force started to tire. With their fatigue came demoralization. "Soon word was going around in Judah, The builders are pooped, the rubbish piles up; We’re in over our heads, we can’t build this wall. And all this time our enemies were saying, “They won’t know what hit them. Before they know it we’ll be at their throats, killing them right and left. That will put a stop to the work!” The Jews who were their neighbors kept reporting, “They have us surrounded; they’re going to attack!” If we heard it once, we heard it ten times." (Nehemiah 4:10-12, The Message) The people were worn out and ready to quit! This godly leader responded by addressing their concerns about security, renewing their understanding about why they were working so hard, and reminding them of the Lord’s promise and provision. What a man!
There’s a lesson in his story for us. It’s relatively easy to deal with the opposition that comes at us from outside ourselves. We learn to ignore critics and overcome unanticipated setbacks. But, when our strength gives out and we feel like we’re falling apart on the inside, it’s much more difficult to rally to the task. “What’s the use in going on?” we’re tempted to think. “It’s a thankless, hopeless, miserable mess that I can’t deal with any longer.” If that’s where you’re at today, reach out to somebody NOW. Yes, of course, you should pray and ask the Spirit of God to renew your strength, but you also need a Nehemiah, somebody who can help you to reclaim your sense of purpose, who can restore your connection to others who can give support. Wisely, Nehemiah said, “Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!” (Nehemiah 4:14, NLT)
God calls us to be part of a community because He knows life must be shared. "Laugh with your happy friends when they’re happy; share tears when they’re down." (Romans 12:15, The Message) Alone, we are quickly overwhelmed. Together, we can stand. It is not only for ourselves that we work; it is for our brothers, sons, daughters, wives, and homes.
An acronym that I remember often is based on the word-
TEAM: Together Everyone Accomplishes More!
Don’t forget that when you’re tired and ready to quit. Instead; reconnect, refocus, and find renewal.
__________________
Sometimes it's hard for me to understand
Why we pull away from each other so easily,
Even though we're all walking the same road.
Yet we build dividing walls
Between our brothers and ourselves.
The day will come when we will be as one,
And with a mighty voice together,
We'll all proclaim
That Jesus, Jesus Christ is King.
It will echo through the earth;
It will shake the nations,
And the world will see,
See that…
You're my brother, you're my sister,
So take me by the hand.
Together we will work until He comes.
There's no foe that can defeat us
When we're walking side by side.
As long as there is love,
We will stand.
We Will Stand
Taff, Russ / Taff, Tori / Hollihan, James
Word Music Group, Inc.
© 1983 Word Music, Inc. (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.)
CCLI License No. 810055
See Russ sing this song... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=narXOiZP2U4
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