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Concluding Thoughts on Chapter 10
Do you ever feel like you’re under attack for your faith, your convictions or your work for the Lord? I have. Michael and I started homeschooling in the early 90s when it wasn’t so popular to teach kids at home. We also had a home church at the time which was a lot for most people to swallow, but we did what we felt was the right thing to do in the eyes of the Lord.
If you’re under attack for doing God’s work, you’re not alone. As we read in our study this week, the people of Judah faced incredible opposition while rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem.
Our study took us to Nehemiah Chapters 1-3, but if you flip the page to the next chapter the story continues. Nehemiah 4:16-18, tells us that the builders had to be prepared for both construction and combat. Imagine this: they carried their tools in one hand and their weapons in the other! They were ready to fight if necessary, but also determined to finish the wall.
It wasn’t easy, but they didn’t give up. They trusted in God’s protection and kept going. And you know what? They succeeded! The wall was rebuilt, and their enemies were defeated.
So what can we learn from this scripture?
The first thing we can take away from that story is that while we’re doing the work of the Lord, we need to carry our sword. We need to rely on the scripture to guide us and God’s will to lead us.
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12, NIV)
Secondly, we need to work together and support each other. Notice how the officers posted themselves behind the people of Judah. They were a team, and they encouraged each other in the face of danger. We also need to surround ourselves with godly friends who will stand by us and lift us up when we feel weak.
Finally, we need to remember that God is with us. Just as the trumpeter stayed beside Nehemiah, we have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us if we have trusted in Jesus as our Savior. He is our helper, our comforter, and our guide. We can trust Him to lead us through any trial and give us the strength we need to overcome.
Discussion
Let’s talk about how our study is going in the comment section below. I’d love to hear your thoughts, Click here to go to the comments.
Questions and Answers from Chapter 10
What are some of the “buts” that have held you back the past?
This answer will be different for everyone.
What did Nehemiah do first when he heard that his people were in trouble, and their city broken down?
He wept and fast and prayed.
What two things did Nehemiah do when he was faced with opposition?
He prayed and he posted a guard.
What does Matthew 6:34 say? Write the verse out here:
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
What advice does James 4:7 give us regarding the enemy?
That when we resist the enemy he will flee from us:
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Looking back on this study, what are some important things you learned about courage?
This answer will be different for everyone.
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FREE Printables – Scripture Cards
This is our last week in the series of printable prayer cards. I hope you enjoyed them!
Click here to view and print this week’s note cards.
