"For all of them were trying to frighten us, thinking, 'They will become discouraged with the work and it will not be done.' But now, O God, strengthen my hands." Nehemiah 6:9*
There are enemies, even those who 'do not know what they are doing' (Luke 23:34), that are at work trying to frighten us and discourage us from doing the work that God has called us to. Let us not be ignorant of the enemy's schemes (2 Cor. 2:11). It is tempting to be dismayed at and discouraged by the lack of even common sense in some of the decisions being made in our society. We live in such interesting times where it is easy to become discouraged. May it never be!
Instead, let us follow the instructions given to Joshua: that as God is with us, be strong and very courageous, being careful to obey His Word and not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that we may have success wherever we go. The word 'success' there literally means: act wisely. Obeying His Word, we will act wisely and that is 'success'. May His Word not depart from our mouths, but meditate on it day and night, so that we may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; "for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success (act wisely). Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for The Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:5-9)
Lord, strengthen our hands, that we may boldly fulfill Your will and please You in all respects.
"...according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death." Philippians 1:20
(continued tomorrow)
*see also this discouragement tactic in Num 32:7-12, Ezra 4:4
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