Friday, July 30, 2010

Nehemiah Challenge - Day Seven

My dear family,

Today was difficult. Who knew what to expect? Who knew what was going to happen? But we got through…in fact, we triumphed through!

Now, it’s time to regroup.

In Nehemiah’s day, by the time we hit chapter 7, the eminent dangers of a breeched wall have been repaired. In this chapter they take a census of all of the families who have returned to Jerusalem from exile. This is what I’m calling “regrouping.” They take stock of the resources at their disposal so that they can move forward in strength.

How can we relate this chapter to our current circumstances? Well, our immediate questions have been answered. Now, with a still uncertain or unknown future before us, it’s time to regroup! It’s time to pull together and figure out what our strengths are. Where can we maximize those strengths? Where are their still weaknesses in our wall?

Every one of us has something to offer this family of believers. NOW is the time to stand up and share the burden of ministry. NOW is the time to jump into action. Use your gifts to serve, to support, to encourage the people of God.

At the end of chapter 7 we read “ And when the seventh month came, the sons of Israel were in their cities.” Being in their cities is powerful here. It indicates permanency, being at rest.

If we will join together now and pool our resources of time and gifts then when our “seventh month” comes, we, too, will be in our cities!

The Nehemiah Challenge continues tomorrow with chapter 8!

Your friend and servant,
Elise

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