The Joy of the Lord Is Your Strength

Do you face the impossible today? Is there some task, person, or thing that is threatening to overtake you? Are you afraid--of that situation or your reaction to it? Here's how you can find overcoming strength . . . .

Nehemiah faced a daunting task--to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. 

1. He had to convince the king for whom he was cup bearer to give him a leave of absence, safe passage, and enough timber to build the wall (as well as beams for the gates of the palace and for the house that he would live in).
2. He had no building team--it had to be assembled. 
3. He couldn't just go to Lowe's or Home Depot to get his materials. They had to be brought in from the king's forest.
4. He faced opposition from difficult men who challenged him at every turn.

Yet, despite all of these difficulties, Nehemiah finished the wall in fifty-two days. How did he do it?

1. He trusted God to give him favor in the sight of Artaxerxes (the king for whom he was cup bearer) which resulted in his leave of absence, safe passage, and timber.
2. He conveyed his vision for the wall to the religious leaders in Jerusalem who helped him accomplish his God-given mission.
3. He overcame his enemies by keeping his eyes on his mission and letting God deal with them (Nehemiah 4:14).

And when his job was complete, Nehemiah spoke to the people of Israel:

"Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, 

and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared;

for this day is holy unto our Lord.

Neither be ye grieved;

for the joy of the LORD is your strength."

~ Nehemiah 8:10

So as you face the impossible today, keep these things in mind:  

1. Trust God to give you strength to do the work He's called you to do
2. Keep your eyes on the mission He has given you
3. Enlist others to help you
4. Do not let others keep you from doing the will of God
5. Rejoice when the work is done. 

The joy of the LORD is your strength.