By Grace Through Faith

Lately, I have really enjoyed diving into more studies and topics from the Old Testament. My family recently took a trip to visit the Ark and the Creation Museum in Kentucky. I highly recommend visiting at least once to gain a deeper understanding of the hard work and faith displayed by Noah as well as the beauty of our Creator.

I recently finished studying the book of Nehemiah. One of the biggest takeaways for me during this study was, at times, Nehemiah faced opposition when building the wall of Jerusalem (basically he had haters too). Nehemiah faced insults, negative opinions, and threats from others who saw Nehemiah’s actions as unfaithful to their earthly king.

“Now when Sanballat and Tobiah and Geshem the Arab and the rest of our enemies heard that I had built the wall and that there was no breach left in it (although up to that time I had not set up the doors in the gates), Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, ‘Come and let us meet together at Hakkephirim in the plain of Ono.’ But they intended to do me harm. And I sent messengers to them, saying, ‘I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?’” – Nehemiah 6:1-3

What I love about Nehemiah’s response is that he kept working on the wall. He didn’t leave his work to defend himself. He also knew that his calling to rebuild the wall was great and purposeful!!

This reminds me much of the character and obedience of Jesus through His ministry. Jesus had haters too! The Pharisees were always trying to catch Jesus in “the wrong” to arrest Him. However, Jesus continues His work. His purpose. His calling. While He does notice the Pharisees and teaches to them directly at times, He consistently shows up in action and in word to glorify His Father.

At times, opposition can look like another person rebuking you or challenging you. At other times, it also can look like our own thoughts opposing against obedience and faith. Our thoughts of fear or anxiety can quickly take us down a route of loneliness, worry, and isolation. Believing lies that we aren’t “good enough” to be used in the kingdom of heaven.

However, these are again lies. If fear is the only thing stopping you from living out your mission, your purpose, or even the next step, then you should still act in spite of your fear.

“for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” – 1 Timothy 1:7

Don’t let fear win over your obedience to what God is asking you to do. How He is speaking to you to move forward. I hope we can all look at the example of Jesus and Nehemiah in continuing the good work towards the kingdom of God. That is THE higher calling.

With Love,

Claire