RPG Adults
PERSPECTIVES FOR SUCCESSFUL SERVICE (II)
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14
Nehemiah 6:1-4
Romans 15:14-24
“…having a great desire
these many years to come unto you.”
PERSPECTIVES FOR SUCCESSFUL SERVICE (II)
When we have had to deal with opposition and challenges for a while, we make the mistake of thinking that things are taking a turn for the better whenever there is a change in the tactics of the enemy. We also begin to review our position, the value of the stand we have taken and the work we are engaged in. This usually marks the beginning of our failure and downfall. The enemy often accomplishes by craft what he was not able to accomplish by threats as we review and change our perspectives.
I am doing a great work (Neh 6:3). Nehemiah’s reply to the seemingly open and friendly invite revealed his resoluteness, perspective and focus on the work. Much had happened, in terms of progress in the work, and what he and the people had endured and gone through in the course of the work. Though there was no breach in the wall, and the work left was that of setting up the doors and gates, Nehemiah’s view of the work had not changed. His focus and resolve were maintained. He did not think “I am almost through,” but rather “I am doing a great work.” God’s work is a great work from start to end. Even when it is almost complete, the part remaining still remains a great work. Its value is not determined or diminished by the portion or amount left, whether big or small.
Why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you? (Neh 6:3). The burden that God had placed upon Nehemiah was for a work in its entirety. It was not a burden to begin without completion. Rather it was a burden for the complete building of the wall. The burden was not diminished as the building of the wall progressed, but would remain until the wall was completed. Likewise, Paul spoke of his burden for the Roman Christians (Rom 1:10‑13) as one he carried for them “these many years” (Rom 15:23), even as he finished the work at hand and looked forward to doing the same in Rome.
THOUGHT: A burden for the Lord is to be borne till fully discharged.
PRAYER: Help me be kind through my words, acts and attitudes.