WHOSE POWER IS IT?

What happens when you find what God wants you to do, and then you begin doing it—and problems arise?  So often we begin to think God is not in this—or that we can’t do it—or that it is just not worth all the problems.  But what are better options? 

Nehemiah 4:1-14 

Several things we see as we read this passage: 

1.      When you work with God, there will be opposition (vv. 1-3)

a.       Sometimes that opposition is from within your own group

b.      Sometimes it comes from outside the group

c.       But it will come!  Satan is at work also. 

2.      When opposition comes, pray!  (vv. 4-5)

a.       Not the time to give up

b.      Time to be sure you understand God’s plan

c.       Time to ask God to intervene—He has the power 

3.      Just because opposition comes doesn’t mean it’s time to quit (v. 6) 

½ done—they worked on ALL the wall at one time, not just one portion—and by now they were ½ complete—1/2 the height it needed to be

4.       Why did they continue and succeed despite opposition?

 

a.       “people worked with ALL their heart.”  People had a mind to work.

b.      Heart really has to be in the task alongside the heart of God.

c.       This was God’s task—inspired by Him, not just by a man or men

d.      Remember Mt 22:37  “Love God with all your heart”

e.       Can you describe your relationship with God by sincerely saying, “I love God with all my heart”? 

5.      More opposition comes despite them working with all their heart (vv. 7-8) 

6.      Still did not give up 

a.       They got practical in what they did—organized by Nehemiah

b.      They prayed

c.       They also posted guards (v. 9) 

7.      But more problems arose—they got discouraged (v. 10)

a.       Despite all the problems—and all the answers—it is still hard work

b.      Can still easily get discouraged—results aren’t happening FAST enough

c.       What do you do when you get discouraged? 

8.      To fight discouragement, remember God and His power!  (v. 14)

a.       Who wanted this task accomplished?

b.      Who get them started in the first place

                                                              i.      God inspired Nehemiah

                                                            ii.      God provided building materials from a non believing king

                                                          iii.      God sent Nehemiah—a man with organization skills—to them

                                                          iv.      God helped them have a heart to work

                                                            v.      God helped them finish ½ the wall

                                                          vi.      The power for the project is God—not us

                                                        vii.      Men will fail or give up—God will not! 

Who wants you to succeed more than you do? 

Who is able to supply what is necessary to see the task succeed? 

Do really love God with all your heart? 

Will you pray and will you work?