Slideshow image

As we are wrapping up a Wednesday night study on the book of Nehemiah and starting a Sunday morning study on I & II Peter, I am struck by some powerful parallels in the stories of these two titular gentlemen. God gave both of them a burden for leadership, a pivotal role in a building program, and what seemed like insurmountable difficulty. Nehemiah contended with not only the Moabites and Ammonites trying to oppress God’s people but also with the apathy and complacency of the people themselves. Peter faced staunch opposition from religious leaders among the Jews and persecution as he fought to spread the Gospel and foster the early church. Both contended with fear and doubt, rallying people to stay focused on their God-ordained mission.

I am left to wonder what would have happened if they had focused not on the vision and mission God gave them but instead looked at the trouble they were facing. What if Peter had fallen back on his days of watching the waves crash around him? (Matthew 14:30) What if he focused on the threat of prison and death? What if Nehemiah had focused on the burned rubble that used to be Jerusalem’s walls and gates (Nehemiah 1:3)? What if he had yielded to the accusations of Israel’s enemies? I doubt either would have accomplished much. I envision Joshua leading the people around Jericho day after day. If the people had watched those massive walls, they would have given up rather than continue marching. 

What walls, obstacles, and storms are you tempted to focus on today? What seemingly insurmountable problems threaten to steal your focus from what God’s calling? When the trials of life roar and your courage starts to fail, look to the record of God’s faithfulness in your life, look to the promises in God’s Word, and rest in Psalm 121’s beautiful reminder that our help comes from the Sovereign Creator of heaven and earth.