"Do Not Be Discouraged"
Book of Nehemiah

          Have you ever been discouraged? Of course you have. We all have been discouraged at one time or another. Peter wrote in 2 Peter 1:3 that God has given us "all things that pertain to life and godliness." Well…He has spoken of discouragement, as well.

          Nehemiah came back to Jerusalem with a group returning from the Babylonian captivity. He returned, primarily, to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. They had been broken down by Nebuchadnezzar's armies, the gates burned and it all left in a rubbish pile. The Israelites were proud people and they did not want to be a reproach to the people around Judea.

          In the first six chapters of the book Nehemiah tells us about rebuilding the wall in the face of threats, jeers and ridicule from some non-Judeans that had come to see what the Israelites were doing. He tells about the fears, frustration and fatigue that the workers faced and how they lost heart and became discouraged.

          Given the challenging and frustrating times in which we live it is easy to become discouraged. Just watching the news is enough to discourage us. Many become discouraged in inviting people to worship with us. We need to always remember that it is our job to keep "planting and watering". It is not us that gives the increase. God has told us in various ways in His word that if we will do our job, He will do His.

          Let's keep inviting our friends, family, co-workers and neighbors and never forget that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," (Philippians 4:13) and "Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." (Galatians 6:9)