SEEKING STRENGTH FOR THE TASK

One of the areas of emphasis for the men that I associate with, from Businessmen in Christ, of Springfield, is taken from Philippians 2: 12 - 13.   This is the passage where we are commanded to "work out our salvation":

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.    (NKJV)

The idea is to exhort people, beginning with me, to not be spectators, but rather be participants in works of service and in witnessing -- all for Jesus our Savior, to bring glory to God.    So, we need to keep on putting out the effort, as leaders and workers, in works of service for ministry.   But, when we do so, we need to remember to seek strength for our tasks.

A series of devotional messages that I have been reading, Leadership: Stepping Out in Faith, is a study of the Book of Nehemiah.    I have reprinted the message from day 24 below, which is  developed as a commentary based on Nehemiah 6: 9.

SEEKING STRENGTH FOR THE TASK

It becomes terribly frustrating when you are constantly being dogged by your enemies. In one instance, it is insults.   In another, it is petty skirmishes and in yet another, it is lies, deceit and intimidation.   Many of us would crack under such relentless personal and physical attack.   Nehemiah, however, holds fast.   God has given him a high level of wisdom, and he can spot deception a mile away.

Nehemiah does not fall for the intimidating tactics of his enemies.   He recognizes them for what they are, and as is his practice, goes to God in prayer, appealing to God for strength.

Nehemiah needs strength for the physical task of building the wall.   What are some other reasons he might need strength?

Deceit is pandemic in our society.   Speak out against it when it occurs, knowing that God’s power will back you up. 

Pray: Lord, let me be prudent in my response to those who attack my credibility and to those that are deceitful.    Strengthen my hands for the work You have called me to do, in Jesus' Name.

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Nehemiah 6:9   (NKJV)

For they all were  trying  to make us afraid, saying, “Their hands will be weakened in the work, and it will not be done.” Now therefore, O  God, strengthen my hands.

I am Now Able to Return to My Online Writing Ministry

I had planned that this ministry blog would have a new post twice each month, of my writing, and also occasionally posting material from others that I want to pass along.   The health crisis that I had on March 1, 2013 brought those plans to a halt.   The treatment and medical care I received helped bring me through the severe health problems that started in March, and the two occurrences of either a bad cold or the flu, in April and May--June.  

Through all of this, I don't worry about how God chooses to manifest my healing, or how/when prayers said by me or for me will be answered.  I just try to use the wisdom and the leading that Holy Spirit gives me to keep going, day by day, and (I think most importantly) to seek, to try to hear from God, about what I can learn from the situation I am in.

"EXAMINE yourself" is always a worthwhile thing to do, but my experience is that when you are ill, and laid-up because of the severity of the illness, that is the most important time for doing this self-examination.    The self-examination will be part of what God can use as He brings the truth of the Scripture to pass in our life -- Romans 8: 28, that all things will work together for good, for those that love God and are the called, called out as His children and as disciples of Jesus.

So, now as we start the second week of June, its time for me to "Forward, March" -- getting back into the work of the ministry in an active way, each day working to fulfill my calling.

God Bless you.  
George Nielsen