But now, O God, strengthen my hands.
--Nehemiah 6:9
You have to give Nehemiah’s enemies an “E” for effort. When their threats of violence didn’t stop Nehemiah from rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls, they resorted to lies in an attempt to slander Nehemiah.
They were simply doing the bidding of a greater enemy of God’s people, the devil himself, who according to Jesus Christ is “the father of lies” (John 8:44).
The lie they used to slander Nehemiah was a big one: “Nehemiah, everyone knows you want to be king of Judah. The reason you’re rebuilding this wall is because you’re an egomaniac. You’re in this for yourself, and we’re going to tell the king of Persia on you!”
Nehemiah’s enemies couldn’t break his will by threats. So they sought to break his spirit by spreading rumors about him. And they used the devil’s oldest attack of all – full-blown, blatant, bold-faced lies!
The rumor mill was working full time, but Nehemiah simply denied the charge. “No such things as you say have been done, for you are inventing them out of your own mind” (Nehemiah 6:8). And then Nehemiah prayed for the strength to finish his work.
At some point or another, someone has probably lied about you or spread rumors to hurt you. Have you forgiven them? Do you harbor bitterness towards them?
If you have been slandered, ask God for the grace to forgive. Then pray that God would strengthen your hands to finish the work He has given you to do without any bitterness in your heart.
ASK GOD TO GIVE YOU THE STRENGTH TO FORGIVE TODAY.
And All the Promises of God
Sunday, July 12, 2020
by Dr. Paul Chappell
"Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust."
2 Peter 1:2-4
The great missionary Hudson Taylor personally baptized more than 35,000 converts during decades of service in China. He brought hundreds of missionaries to what had previously been a closed mission field and established hundreds of churches. Over those many years, God worked miraculously to supply his needs, but there were many times when the money did not arrive until the very last moment.
Though those times could have shaken Taylor’s faith, he retained his confidence in God. At one point he wrote to a friend, “We have left eighty-seven cents and all the promises of God.” If we have the promises of God—and we do—then there is nothing to fear. Even if we cannot see how the answer could possibly come, He is not limited by our resources or lack of them. The most overwhelming problem you will ever face does not tax His abilities or power in any way.
We see this truth beautifully expressed in the story of Jonathan and his armor bearer going out alone to attack a garrison of Philistine soldiers. Jonathan was not the least bit worried about being outnumbered. He said, "there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few" (1 Samuel 14:6). When God is on your side, nothing else matters. Simply claim His promises in faith, knowing that not one has ever failed, and you will not be overtaken with fear.
Today's Growth Principle:
Trust God in faith even if you cannot see the answer. All of His promises are faithful and true.
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