Called To A Great Work
March 2015
If you have heard from God and/or believe with everything in you that you were called to a great work for the glory of God, this post is for YOU! Friend, we are in the 3rd month of the year and it's time to get focused if you're not, stay focused if you are, and do what God has told/called you to do. It's time that we wield the sword of the Spirit, raise our shield of faith, and pray, pray, PRAY!!! It's time friend, that we go from our knees in prayer to our feet in obedience. There are people...nations assigned to and waiting for our obedience. Through Nehemiah, we are going to not only learn what to do before and during a great work, but we are going to also see and be reminded that the great work is often times bigger than us and immeasurably more than we can ask or think. Let's dig in!
1. Prayer and Fasting (Nehemiah 1:4-11 and 2:1-10)
"Nehemiah, the wall of Jerusalem has been torn down and the people are in great trouble and disgrace........." (vs. 3).
Question: What do we do when a problem is presented before us or we see a need for something and we feel extremely passionate about it? Do we act immediately? Do we sit, do nothing, and expect someone else to fix or do something about it? What do we do?
Answer: We do as Nehemiah did, we pray and fast FIRST. Nehemiah didn't just immediately go and try to fix the problem, nor did he sit and expect someone else to do it! Before he acted, He prayed and fasted.....He sought God's face. Listen friend, it's so important to seek God before you make a move or any kind of decision. Prayer is vital in the life of a blood bought believer. It releases wisdom, discernment, courage, and divine strategy. Satan trembles and hates it when YOU pray! Why? Because when you pray, you get a WORD from the LORD and a WORD from the LORD is a WEAPON! Not only did Nehemiah pray and cry out to God, but he also prayed the WORD OF GOD over himself, the people, and the circumstance! If you have read "Journaling Your Prayers" or "Praying God's Word" you know just how passionate I am about praying the Word of God over my life and circumstance(s). There is power in the Word. Read Nehemiah 1:8-9 and then Lev. 26:33, Deuteronomy 12:5 and 30:2-4 and see for yourself how Nehemiah prayed the Word.
The truth is, when you are seeking God through prayer, in need of answers, instructions, breakthrough, and/or courage.....the best thing to do is to PRAY the WORD! Another thing that's important to note when seeking God about a particular situation is that sometimes God will give you specific instructions, other times, you will have a strong sense of peace concerning a particular move/direction....but in both times it will REQUIRE FAITH! It takes faith to press in, be obedient and do what you know God has called you to do. Likewise, it takes faith to be like Abraham, "when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going" (Hebrews 11:8). If you don't have peace about it and/or haven't heard God's voice, don't move until you do and please, don't feel pressured to explain your direction, peace or the lack thereof to folks. Trust God, He will never lead you wrong. And last, but certainly not least, if led, fast. Don't do a fast just to do one or, worst to lose weight lol! Fast because you desire to consecrate yourself, draw closer to God, and hear from Him! Once again, if led, fast!
2. Shhhhh!!!!! (Nehemiah 2:11-18)
Shhhhh!! That's something that God often times tells every blood bought believer called to a great work. Hear this with your heart: Everything God tells you is not always meant to be told. Use discernment and follow God's lead! Nehemiah only took a few people with him, but he at that time had told no one about the plans God had put in his heart for Jerusalem. Friend, sometimes it is not that you are surrounded by evil people who are not for you, often times right before God releases you to act, you are surrounded by just the right people, but God will STILL say," Shhhhhh," because there are still some things that He wants to reveal to you. You don't have to explain every plan of God concerning you to everyone! When the time is right to share, you will know it. Until then, follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. "But now I said to them, “You know very well what trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire. Let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and end this disgrace!” Then I told them about how the gracious hand of God had been on me, and about my conversation with the king. They replied at once, “Yes, let’s rebuild the wall!” So they began the good work." Nehemiah 2: 17-18 NLT Friend, notice the timing of Nehemiah's "big reveal" and notice the response of those who were with him. When he finally shared the plans God had given Him, they were all on board. They were all fearless and excited to be apart of such a great work! When it comes to what God has called you to do, everyone and their mama may not be on board, but the assigned ones will be....trust!
3. Pay no attention to the enemy (Nehemiah 2:19-20 & Ch. 4)
Once Nehemiah shared the plans God had given him and began to actually work towards it, the enemy started to run his mouth, trying to scare and discourage him. The enemy hates it when God's people seek God, hear from Him, MOVE, and don't back up an inch! He knows his days are numbered and that he is already defeated! Notice that Nehemiah didn't get scared or back down, He said in complete "Godfidence," " The God of Heaven will help us succeed." We are wrestling principalities, powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness (Eph. 6:12) So, whenever you try to expand the Kingdom, a battle is going to be necessary because the enemy is trying to hold the ground that he thinks he owns. Here’s the truth: he has been spoiled, stripped of everything that he thought was his, and Jesus (glory to God!) has triumphed over him. So guess what? YOU always WIN! You ALWAYS win because JESUS has ALREADY given you the victory. No matter what, press on and STAY FOCUSED!
4. Continue Praying While You Work (Nehemiah 4: 4 &9)
Every time the enemy tried to discourage, hinder, or mock them, Nehemiah prayed. He didn't get offended, and He didn't quit! He PRAYED! Even when his people began to complain, He STILL prayed and believed God. Why? Because He was confident in God and God alone! He knew that He was doing what God had told him to do and he knew and believed that God would help them succeed!
5. Stay focused, prepared, fully armored, and in position (Nehemiah 4: 12-23 & 6:1-11)
As Nehemiah and his team did, we must also guard the great work! Sometimes the great work is what God is doing in you, guard that, guard your heart, guard your spirit...PROTECT YOUR ANOINTING! Other times the great work is what He is doing through you! Put on the whole armor of God and PRAY! The people worked hard, but they worked with one hand and kept a weapon in the other. While we are doing the great work, we must ALWAYS keep the weapon of the Word in our hands, in our hearts, and in our mouths! We must not ever be afraid of the enemy! He is a defeated foe and with God on our side and the Word in our hand, heart, and mouth, we are armed and extremely dangerous! Chapter 6 is one of my favorite chapters in the book of Nehemiah! Again, the enemy started to taunt Nehemiah and tried to make him give up. I love how Nehemiah responded, "......I am engaged in a great work, so I can't come. Why should I stop working to come and meet with you?" Nehemiah 6:3 NLT Nehemiah in a nutshell said, look I'm not going to stop doing what God told me to do just to appease you! Well the enemy kept talking and trying to stop Nehemiah, but the Word says that he, "....continued the work with even greater determination!" Nehemiah 6:9 NLT Friend, once again, don't entertain the enemy or any of his tactics like fear, discouragement, or stress! No matter what he says or tries to do, continue working with even greater determination knowing that, "God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful" (1 Thessalonians 5:24 NLT). And last, but certainly not least, remember who you are and Whose you are. You are a child of God! You are the righteousness of God! You are MORE than a conqueror. "He raised you up together with Him and made you sit down together [giving you joint seating with Him] in the heavenly sphere [by virtue of your being] in Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One) (emphasis mine) (Ephesians 2:6 AMP).You are seated in heavenly places with Christ Jesus! That is YOUR position! You are a joint heir with Christ and an heir of God! When called to a great work, have the confidence and attitude that Nehemiah did in Nehemiah 6:11, "Should someone in my position run from danger? Should someone in my position enter the Temple to save his life? No, I won't do it!" Remember your position as a Kingdom person! Don't be afraid or run....keep doing what God has called you to do! And ALWAYS remember, God has given you authority and power over all the power that the enemy possesses and nothing shall in any way harm you (Luke 10:19 AMP)!
6. Always remember that the work is bigger than you (Chapters 8-11 &13)
While doing the great work, God had Nehemiah correct many things. Remember earlier we said that it is through prayer that God poured into Nehemiah the wisdom, discernment, divine strategy, and COURAGE he needed to complete the task at hand? Friend, in order to speak out against unrighteousness and/or do what God has called you to do, you have to have a God-given boldness. Nehemiah couldn't be concerned with what people thought of him or if they agreed with him or not! He also had to lead by example. He couldn't correct something and then turn around do wrong too. As God leads you, speak up for Him and be an example in the way you live, love, in faith, conduct, and in purity (1 Timothy 4:12). God is for you and He is backing you up!
Last, but certainly not least is probably the greatest lesson of all that we learn from Nehemiah and that is that the work is bigger than us and immeasurably more than we can ask or think!
If you have a study bible you will see these headlines over the particular segment of scriptures that it is describing:
Nehemiah's Concern for Jerusalem
Nehemiah Goes to Jerusalem
Nehemiah inspects Jerusalem's Wall
Rebuilding the Wall of Jerusalem
Enemies Oppose the Rebuilding
Nehemiah Defends the Oppressed
Continued Opposition to Rebuilding
The Builders Complete the Wall
Nehemiah Registers the People
Ezra Reads the Law
The Festival of Shelters
The People Confess Their Sins
The People Agree to Obey
The Vow of the People
The People Occupy Jerusalem
A History of the Priests and Levites
Dedication of Jerusalem's Wall
Nehemiah's Various Reforms
Whew! What a list! Who would have thought that a man who had a heart for his hometown, Jerusalem, who just wanted to rebuild a wall, would had done so much more! Who would have thought? GOD! Often times, God lays it on your heart to do one thing, knowing that your mustard seed faith and one step of obedience will not just lead to the "rebuilding of a wall," but as with Nehemiah, to the rebuilding of a whole nation. Friend, "GREAT moves of God are often preceded by simple acts of obedience." Nehemiah probably thought that once the wall was rebuilt he would return back to doing what he was doing before, but God had greater things in store. God wanted to use Nehemiah to minister to the people, encourage them to repent, and to give their lives back to Him....promising to obey HIM and Him alone! Like Nehemiah, you may think that you're just "rebuilding a wall" by teaching the young people at your church, or serving at the nursing home, or writing that book/blog, or sharing the Gospel daily by walking, talking, and living like Christ, but let me assure you that yes, God is using you to "rebuild a wall," but He is also using you to turn hearts towards Him! “You and I are CHOSEN for a purpose, we are HEALED for a purpose, we are CALLED for a purpose, and that purpose ALWAYS involves other people." It's bigger than you!!! So, if you are feeling passionate and/or led to a particular area.....seek God's face through prayer FIRST! Once you hear His voice or feel peace about a situation....move in FAITH and don't back up an inch! Pay no attention to the enemy! Always remember that he is already defeated and that you are already victorious! Stay focused, be prepared, fully armed, AND always remember your position in CHRIST! And again, remember that this thing is bigger than you! God wants to use you to reach other people for His glory! The question is not is He able...but rather, will you yield, surrender, be obedient, walk by faith and let HIM! Be encouraged friends! Love y'all!!
1. Prayer and Fasting (Nehemiah 1:4-11 and 2:1-10)
"Nehemiah, the wall of Jerusalem has been torn down and the people are in great trouble and disgrace........." (vs. 3).
Question: What do we do when a problem is presented before us or we see a need for something and we feel extremely passionate about it? Do we act immediately? Do we sit, do nothing, and expect someone else to fix or do something about it? What do we do?
Answer: We do as Nehemiah did, we pray and fast FIRST. Nehemiah didn't just immediately go and try to fix the problem, nor did he sit and expect someone else to do it! Before he acted, He prayed and fasted.....He sought God's face. Listen friend, it's so important to seek God before you make a move or any kind of decision. Prayer is vital in the life of a blood bought believer. It releases wisdom, discernment, courage, and divine strategy. Satan trembles and hates it when YOU pray! Why? Because when you pray, you get a WORD from the LORD and a WORD from the LORD is a WEAPON! Not only did Nehemiah pray and cry out to God, but he also prayed the WORD OF GOD over himself, the people, and the circumstance! If you have read "Journaling Your Prayers" or "Praying God's Word" you know just how passionate I am about praying the Word of God over my life and circumstance(s). There is power in the Word. Read Nehemiah 1:8-9 and then Lev. 26:33, Deuteronomy 12:5 and 30:2-4 and see for yourself how Nehemiah prayed the Word.
The truth is, when you are seeking God through prayer, in need of answers, instructions, breakthrough, and/or courage.....the best thing to do is to PRAY the WORD! Another thing that's important to note when seeking God about a particular situation is that sometimes God will give you specific instructions, other times, you will have a strong sense of peace concerning a particular move/direction....but in both times it will REQUIRE FAITH! It takes faith to press in, be obedient and do what you know God has called you to do. Likewise, it takes faith to be like Abraham, "when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going" (Hebrews 11:8). If you don't have peace about it and/or haven't heard God's voice, don't move until you do and please, don't feel pressured to explain your direction, peace or the lack thereof to folks. Trust God, He will never lead you wrong. And last, but certainly not least, if led, fast. Don't do a fast just to do one or, worst to lose weight lol! Fast because you desire to consecrate yourself, draw closer to God, and hear from Him! Once again, if led, fast!
2. Shhhhh!!!!! (Nehemiah 2:11-18)
Shhhhh!! That's something that God often times tells every blood bought believer called to a great work. Hear this with your heart: Everything God tells you is not always meant to be told. Use discernment and follow God's lead! Nehemiah only took a few people with him, but he at that time had told no one about the plans God had put in his heart for Jerusalem. Friend, sometimes it is not that you are surrounded by evil people who are not for you, often times right before God releases you to act, you are surrounded by just the right people, but God will STILL say," Shhhhhh," because there are still some things that He wants to reveal to you. You don't have to explain every plan of God concerning you to everyone! When the time is right to share, you will know it. Until then, follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. "But now I said to them, “You know very well what trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire. Let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and end this disgrace!” Then I told them about how the gracious hand of God had been on me, and about my conversation with the king. They replied at once, “Yes, let’s rebuild the wall!” So they began the good work." Nehemiah 2: 17-18 NLT Friend, notice the timing of Nehemiah's "big reveal" and notice the response of those who were with him. When he finally shared the plans God had given Him, they were all on board. They were all fearless and excited to be apart of such a great work! When it comes to what God has called you to do, everyone and their mama may not be on board, but the assigned ones will be....trust!
3. Pay no attention to the enemy (Nehemiah 2:19-20 & Ch. 4)
Once Nehemiah shared the plans God had given him and began to actually work towards it, the enemy started to run his mouth, trying to scare and discourage him. The enemy hates it when God's people seek God, hear from Him, MOVE, and don't back up an inch! He knows his days are numbered and that he is already defeated! Notice that Nehemiah didn't get scared or back down, He said in complete "Godfidence," " The God of Heaven will help us succeed." We are wrestling principalities, powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness (Eph. 6:12) So, whenever you try to expand the Kingdom, a battle is going to be necessary because the enemy is trying to hold the ground that he thinks he owns. Here’s the truth: he has been spoiled, stripped of everything that he thought was his, and Jesus (glory to God!) has triumphed over him. So guess what? YOU always WIN! You ALWAYS win because JESUS has ALREADY given you the victory. No matter what, press on and STAY FOCUSED!
4. Continue Praying While You Work (Nehemiah 4: 4 &9)
Every time the enemy tried to discourage, hinder, or mock them, Nehemiah prayed. He didn't get offended, and He didn't quit! He PRAYED! Even when his people began to complain, He STILL prayed and believed God. Why? Because He was confident in God and God alone! He knew that He was doing what God had told him to do and he knew and believed that God would help them succeed!
5. Stay focused, prepared, fully armored, and in position (Nehemiah 4: 12-23 & 6:1-11)
As Nehemiah and his team did, we must also guard the great work! Sometimes the great work is what God is doing in you, guard that, guard your heart, guard your spirit...PROTECT YOUR ANOINTING! Other times the great work is what He is doing through you! Put on the whole armor of God and PRAY! The people worked hard, but they worked with one hand and kept a weapon in the other. While we are doing the great work, we must ALWAYS keep the weapon of the Word in our hands, in our hearts, and in our mouths! We must not ever be afraid of the enemy! He is a defeated foe and with God on our side and the Word in our hand, heart, and mouth, we are armed and extremely dangerous! Chapter 6 is one of my favorite chapters in the book of Nehemiah! Again, the enemy started to taunt Nehemiah and tried to make him give up. I love how Nehemiah responded, "......I am engaged in a great work, so I can't come. Why should I stop working to come and meet with you?" Nehemiah 6:3 NLT Nehemiah in a nutshell said, look I'm not going to stop doing what God told me to do just to appease you! Well the enemy kept talking and trying to stop Nehemiah, but the Word says that he, "....continued the work with even greater determination!" Nehemiah 6:9 NLT Friend, once again, don't entertain the enemy or any of his tactics like fear, discouragement, or stress! No matter what he says or tries to do, continue working with even greater determination knowing that, "God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful" (1 Thessalonians 5:24 NLT). And last, but certainly not least, remember who you are and Whose you are. You are a child of God! You are the righteousness of God! You are MORE than a conqueror. "He raised you up together with Him and made you sit down together [giving you joint seating with Him] in the heavenly sphere [by virtue of your being] in Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One) (emphasis mine) (Ephesians 2:6 AMP).You are seated in heavenly places with Christ Jesus! That is YOUR position! You are a joint heir with Christ and an heir of God! When called to a great work, have the confidence and attitude that Nehemiah did in Nehemiah 6:11, "Should someone in my position run from danger? Should someone in my position enter the Temple to save his life? No, I won't do it!" Remember your position as a Kingdom person! Don't be afraid or run....keep doing what God has called you to do! And ALWAYS remember, God has given you authority and power over all the power that the enemy possesses and nothing shall in any way harm you (Luke 10:19 AMP)!
6. Always remember that the work is bigger than you (Chapters 8-11 &13)
While doing the great work, God had Nehemiah correct many things. Remember earlier we said that it is through prayer that God poured into Nehemiah the wisdom, discernment, divine strategy, and COURAGE he needed to complete the task at hand? Friend, in order to speak out against unrighteousness and/or do what God has called you to do, you have to have a God-given boldness. Nehemiah couldn't be concerned with what people thought of him or if they agreed with him or not! He also had to lead by example. He couldn't correct something and then turn around do wrong too. As God leads you, speak up for Him and be an example in the way you live, love, in faith, conduct, and in purity (1 Timothy 4:12). God is for you and He is backing you up!
Last, but certainly not least is probably the greatest lesson of all that we learn from Nehemiah and that is that the work is bigger than us and immeasurably more than we can ask or think!
If you have a study bible you will see these headlines over the particular segment of scriptures that it is describing:
Nehemiah's Concern for Jerusalem
Nehemiah Goes to Jerusalem
Nehemiah inspects Jerusalem's Wall
Rebuilding the Wall of Jerusalem
Enemies Oppose the Rebuilding
Nehemiah Defends the Oppressed
Continued Opposition to Rebuilding
The Builders Complete the Wall
Nehemiah Registers the People
Ezra Reads the Law
The Festival of Shelters
The People Confess Their Sins
The People Agree to Obey
The Vow of the People
The People Occupy Jerusalem
A History of the Priests and Levites
Dedication of Jerusalem's Wall
Nehemiah's Various Reforms
Whew! What a list! Who would have thought that a man who had a heart for his hometown, Jerusalem, who just wanted to rebuild a wall, would had done so much more! Who would have thought? GOD! Often times, God lays it on your heart to do one thing, knowing that your mustard seed faith and one step of obedience will not just lead to the "rebuilding of a wall," but as with Nehemiah, to the rebuilding of a whole nation. Friend, "GREAT moves of God are often preceded by simple acts of obedience." Nehemiah probably thought that once the wall was rebuilt he would return back to doing what he was doing before, but God had greater things in store. God wanted to use Nehemiah to minister to the people, encourage them to repent, and to give their lives back to Him....promising to obey HIM and Him alone! Like Nehemiah, you may think that you're just "rebuilding a wall" by teaching the young people at your church, or serving at the nursing home, or writing that book/blog, or sharing the Gospel daily by walking, talking, and living like Christ, but let me assure you that yes, God is using you to "rebuild a wall," but He is also using you to turn hearts towards Him! “You and I are CHOSEN for a purpose, we are HEALED for a purpose, we are CALLED for a purpose, and that purpose ALWAYS involves other people." It's bigger than you!!! So, if you are feeling passionate and/or led to a particular area.....seek God's face through prayer FIRST! Once you hear His voice or feel peace about a situation....move in FAITH and don't back up an inch! Pay no attention to the enemy! Always remember that he is already defeated and that you are already victorious! Stay focused, be prepared, fully armed, AND always remember your position in CHRIST! And again, remember that this thing is bigger than you! God wants to use you to reach other people for His glory! The question is not is He able...but rather, will you yield, surrender, be obedient, walk by faith and let HIM! Be encouraged friends! Love y'all!!