Daily Reading
Daily Thought
“So we built the wall. And all the wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work. But…” (Nehemiah 4:6-7a). Half way done and signs of discouragement begin. “The strength of those who bear the burdens is failing. There is too much rubble. By ourselves we will not be able to rebuild the wall” (Nehemiah 4:10). There is enthusiasm at the beginning and anticipation when the end is in sight, but in the middle a weariness sets in. Enemies of the wall were plotting against its completion–“We come among them and kill them and stop the work” (Nehemiah 4:11). They were being called back home–“You must return to us” (Nehemiah 4:12). The temptation was to drop their tools and return to their families and get back to the routine of life. The wall could wait.
It is in the muddle of the middle when a leader must remind the people of their purpose, refresh their vision, and renew their strength. Nehemiah stood tall and called “to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, ‘Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes’” (Nehemiah 4:14). We are building a fortress for our families and a kingdom for our God. Get back to work. The leader kept his trumpeter close at hand, rallying the people with the cry, “Our God will fight for us” (Nehemiah 4:20).
God’s work may be thwarted in the middle by discouragement, by danger, by drudgery, and by despair. The leader, undaunted, must rise above. Nehemiah stood tall, the people responded, and “the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days” (Nehemiah 6:15).
Daily Prayer
Almighty God, You are my strength and the desire of my life. You are my rock, the foundation of my life, and the fortress that protects me. You have called me to follow You and I am eager to do so. Keep me focused and renew my strength when I tire of the task. May I not grow weary of doing good, of living well, of pursuing justice, of loving others. May I stand tall and firm, keeping my eyes on You, that others may find encouragement and join in the work of Your Kingdom.
Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Amen
Daily Question
What do you do to keep going when you face discouragement?