Now it happened, when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites heard the walls of Jerusalem were being restored and the gaps were beginning to be closed, that they became very angry and all of them conspired to come together and attack Jerusalem and create confusion. Nevertheless, we made a prayer to our God and because of them we set a watch against them day and night. Nehemiah 4:7-9 (NKJV)
Words of Nehemiah
Those who returned to Jerusalem had a gargantuan task before them. They had to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem. Not only was this a huge task, they also had to deal with foreign enemies, two different enemies and three different people-groups were poised against having Jerusalem rebuilt.
When someone turns his or her heart over to Jesus, changes happen in his or her life. Sometimes these changes cause problems from either those affected by others or by the one surrendering to Jesus.
One who is trying to change his or her life around must be vigilant for the things that can, and if care is not exercised probably will, trip him or her up.
Nehemiah and his crew did what each of us must do when we feel at risk due to someone’s plan to be in conflict with or upset our plans and keep us from our goals. They prayed.
At times, we don’t pray enough. We have times when we think we are doing something the right way just because we belong to Jesus.
We need to pray about all things that affect us, even when we can’t do anything about them. Jesus has all things under His control.
Recently, our Sunday school leader passed out index cards for each of us to take one. On it were the letters SFJTD. Below these letters were the words “Something For Jesus To Do”. All of us in the class said that was a very good thought. I will have more on this later.
I love the saying on those index cards, Cecelia! It is a great reminder that Jesus is right with us, ready to act, when we pray.
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Martha Jane: I have to find the page she gave us about the phrase. I loved the message on the card and found myself using it that afternoon. Peace and blessings to you and yours.
DeleteOH, what a great idea! "Something for Jesus to do". I need to remember to leave the things that I cannot do safely in Jesus' hands. I often think everything is my responsibility, when Jesus never intended it to be so. Learning to "let go and let God" is one of those things that is difficult for all of us to learn. Thank you for this lesson today. God is with us all the way. Amen.
ReplyDeletePam: This phrase has reminded me that there are things that I do not have the strength to do. Everyone in class that day enjoyed the message. Peace and blessings to you and yours.
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