Introduction: Last week we looked at the sources of discouragement. Nehemiah and God's faithful people faced discouraging circumstances.
A. There was Derision. They took verbal harassment. Satan's first weapon against us will be the praise of men being replaced by the mockery of men How did Nehemiah answer them? He prayed to his God! B. A second source of discouragement is Danger. Jesus gives us some insight as to how we should think about those who might try and do us harm. In Matthew 10:28 He says, “…fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” C. A third source of discouragement is Disappointment. Things are never what you expect them to be. There is nothing perfect on this earth. The only perfect things are in heaven.
Transition: Well, what are the solutions for discouragement?
I. Determine to keep the right Focus. God owns us. We are bought with a price. Nehemiah knew he wasn't in Jerusalem for himself, but for God. He was doing God's work. So Nehemiah focused on God. Nehemiah says to the people in verse 20, “our God shall fight for us”! Romans 8:31, “If God be for us, who can be against us?”
A. Our protection comes from God's ownership of us. God will fight for us. Look at Nehemiah's prayer. Nehemiah 4:4-5
B. God's protection always prevails! Look at verse 15; Zechariah 4:6.
II. Determine to stay Faithful. Nehemiah 4:6. When we get to heaven, God is not going to say, “Well done my good and comfortable servant”. What is He going to say? “Well done my good and FAITHFUL servant”.
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Matt is originally from Oak Forest, Illinois though he spent much of his growing up years in Ponchatoula, Louisiana. He studied theology and Spanish for his undergrad and is currently pursuing graduate studies at Faith Bible Seminary (Lafayette, IN). He is certified with the...
