"Oh God Strengthen My Hands"

The days seem so short now. I mean before they weren't very long, but now that my sleeping pattern is botched, the days seem briefer. Although God clearly keeps my "To Do" like His love for me, unconditional, I seem to feel like I can't praise Him, thank Him, worship Him enough. The Holy Spirit within me feigns for His Word, and in Jesus name, I'm so grateful for that. For this reason, my morning devotions to God has been very intimate. Call me crazy, but I do laugh and ask questions... But for the record people, He responds through His Word. I must say though, climbing a mountain through a storm is no joke. However, God prepared me through His Word. Reading Nehemiah and His struggle with a community makes my mountain seem like a ant hill. I'm simply rebuilding my life... New home in two weeks, no furniture; Project Taco Bar Bible Study; no job. Nehemiah and the Jewish community are rebuilding a city from rumble, with limited funds, and blood thirsty government enemies.

In Nehemiah 6, Nehemiah's construction in Jerusalem is nation wide talk now. Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem, and their heathen team were beyond raged knowing of Nehemiah's success. The wall which the Jewish community had built was not only completed, but could not be breached as they mocked. Nehemiah 6:2, Nehemiah 6:4, Nehemiah 6:5, Nehemiah 6:6 and Nehemiah 6:7 reads multiple times the heathens (Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem) tried to distract, remove, and destroy Nehemiah. But they couldn't prevail because ultimately, Nehemiah could not be removed from God's Will.

Reading this, I had to ask myself, "How devoted am I to being an Ambassador of God's Will?" Honestly, this is a 24/7 job. I must completely be devoted to God, in Jesus name. I must have a intimate relationship with God, submissive to His Word, Will, and obedient to Hid Law. But most importantly, do all of this, in love, not fear. I must solemnly want to be after God's heart, His walking sacrifice, in the likeness of Jesus. This means I must study His Word, not to just know His scriptures, but to put them to actions. Nehemiah's focus on the rebuilding the Jewish community was deeper than a reconstructing a city.

"Yes, I am ready." I submitted to God's Will, no more over thinking, just obedient to the path laid before me. As I continued reading, I was appalled by Nehemiah 6:10-13, one of Nehemiah's own prophet sold him out. Shemaiah tried to put fear in Nehemiah heart through a false prophesy. Although Nehemiah was neither shaken nor concerned, didn't even bother to threaten the false prophet, or make him leave town, I was shaken. Yet again, this story sounds familiar. My fear began to dissolve. Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son, with through this as well. "Alright Heavenly Father, thank You for this preparation." Nehemiah shook it off and prayed, Nehemiah 6:14, "My God, think thou upon Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and on the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear." Finally, after all the mockery, threats, and betrial, the wall was built, Jerusalem restored. Nehemiah 6:15 recorded it being done in 52 days. Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem were sick. Their threats continued pass the construction of the wall.

God is giving me the forecast for this storm, I can't see where within the storm I am anymore. What I contemplated to be the end, it seems is only the beginning. I accept the mission, and look forward to those joining the team. For those reading, I ask for your prayers, and please contact me when you are about to pray, because in Matthew 18:20, Jesus said, "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." We definitely can use Jesus presence at all times.