Nehemiah 4:1,2
‘Now when it came about that when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became furious and very angry and he mocked the Jews. And he spoke in the presence of his brothers and the wealthy people of Samaria and said, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Are they going to restore the temple for themselves? Can they offer sacrifices? Can they finish it in a day? Can they revive the stones from the heaps of rubble, even the burned ones?”‘
God is working. He is building His kingdom. His kingdom isn’t a physical one, but people. He is saving, healing lives, and restoring relationships. He takes the lowly, forgives them, sets their feet on a rock and steadies their lives. He fills them with joy and sets them on a good path. Those around the look on. Some are happy for them. However, some are convicted by and mock them. They might not be aware, but they know they should be doing the same thing. However, they don’t want to. They are satisfied with their lives.
Peter speaks of this in his first epistle, Verse 3 and 4 of the fourth chapter says, “For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the gentiles,having pursued a course of indecent behavior, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and idolatries. In all of this they are surprised that you don’t run with them in the same excesses of debauchery, and they slander you”. We were partners with them in all of that. It left us empty. Christ came and rescued us. However, they feel guilty that we left them.
We can’t worry about their mocking. They are wounded. We are to pray for them. Some will respond and turn to God. The mockery we are to let roll down our backs. It hurts. God knows and has been there. He said, “Father, forgiven the for they don’t know what they are doing.”
We are to do as the Jews did and keep working. God will give us the courage and determination. They finished the wall with amazing speed. He will help us get it done. It may be something at work, an inner issue in us, a restoration of a friendship. God is always working.
Take courage. All of heaven is with His children and it will be accomplished. The phrase, “it came to pass” is in the bible nearly 400 times. It didn’t come to stay, but to pass. 2 Corinthians 4:17 says, “For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison.” Wow. Add I Corinthians 2:9, ‘Rather, as it is written, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.”‘ I can imagine much to have. However, God knows us much better. What He gives is far better and will satsfy completely.
Early on I thought God wanted me to do one thing. However, it proved frustrating, so I left that. The preparation that I had to do that opened a door to something that became my career. I have loved it. The joy that I experienced in my first path was multiplied many times in the second.
God will give us success. He will help us deal with the mockery. He will fill us with joy and success in His time and in His way. We are to be strong and courageous. He will do it. Thank You, Lord.