Courage Amidst the Challenge

Bethel Mennonite Church – Gladys VA

The book of Nehemiah is the account of the Jews rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem 280 years after the Assyrians had deported the 10 northern tribes and scattered them over the known world. Nehemiah was a cupbearer for the king of Persia when he heard about the challenges his people were experiencing in Jerusalem, so he asked the king for permission to return to his homeland to help in the rebuilding of the wall around Jerusalem. The king agreed and gave him letters of endorsement and resources with which to build. In the midst of many challenges and opposition, Nehemiah identified what needed to be done and inspired his people to do the work, and the wall was built in 52 days.

This story is applicable to our personal and church life. We all have experienced personal challenges in which we felt confused and overwhelmed. The same is true for us in church life, especially the last 5-10 years. I am not sure how to describe where we are emotionally, spiritually, and physically. It’s possible that we feel a variety of ways. Some of us are tired, discouraged, and maybe confused. Maybe some of us are frustrated or angry, or maybe feel like no one is listening to our deep concern. Maybe some of us feel hopeless. Here is a call to each of us to evaluate our challenging circumstance, to evaluate what God is calling us to, what God has placed in our hearts, what our options are, and to make a decision and move forward with courage, wisdom, persistence, and hope in God.

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