Truth or dare
September 27, 2008
People do not like someone who is doing what God wants them to do. This is true within our churches as well as family and friends. Nehemiah had this problem as he set about to rebuild the wall.
Nehemiah 6:4-9 (ESV)
4 And they sent to me four times in this way, and I answered them in the same manner.
5 In the same way Sanballat for the fifth time sent his servant to me with an open letter in his hand.
6 In it was written, “It is reported among the nations, and Geshem also says it, that you and the Jews intend to rebel; that is why you are building the wall. And according to these reports you wish to become their king.
7 And you have also set up prophets to proclaim concerning you in Jerusalem, ‘There is a king in Judah.’ And now the king will hear of these reports. So now come and let us take counsel together.”
8 Then I sent to him, saying, “No such things as you say have been done, for you are inventing them out of your own mind.”
9 For they all wanted to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will drop from the work, and it will not be done.” But now, O God, strengthen my hands.
The trick in all this is to know that you are hearing from God. But, even if you are not, I would rather be doing something for God and not have heard Him, than not being doing something for God and have heard Him. If I am doing something at least God can use it in some way.
Nehemiah knew that these people were out to stop him. He did not care. When people say something bad about you, then you have two choices. You can listen to it and take it in and make it yours, or you can reject it outright. I advised my children about this the other day. Take what people say bad about you. If it is true than you need to change yourself. If it is not true, then let it roll. Nehemiah was doing just that. He let it roll and told his enemy to take his lies and move on.
What do you do when someone says something about you?
Read through the Bible in historical order
Today
Nehemiah 6:1-7:73
Tomorrow
Nehemiah 8:1-10:39
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