Nehemiah Series - Facing Opposition - Sermon 4

            In the face of the obstacles to building, in the face of the opposition to building, the people remained united.  They stayed diligent, watchful, unified, and committed.  They knew it was a big job.  That was undeniable.  They could see the incredible task before them every day when they woke up.  Just the same, it is a huge work that we strive to do to build the walls we should all along the way.  But do not be discouraged.  When you need help or strength or encouragement, sound the call, and we should come a running! Keep those communication lines open.  Don’t let the enemy sow seeds of conflict and mistrust and isolation!  In fact, it sounds like Nehemiah walked the wall with a man carrying a trumpet and when the attacks came, he would sound the call and the people would come-a-running to stand together in the face of the opposition.  Day and night they did not falter or fail or quit or divide.  And the work went onward. 

THE PURPOSE OF SUFFERING

"My brothers and sisters in Christ, reckon it and count it all cheerfulness, calm delight, and exceeding great joy when you are surrounded and engulfed by many many many tests, adversities, and trials that prove you and test you; knowing and understanding that this testing and trying of your trustworthiness, faith, moral conviction, consistency, and entire reliance upon Christ for salvation accomplishes cheerful endurance, constancy, and patience.  Then hold onto that cheerful endurance and be held by it so that its accomplishing work may come to full maturity so that you also may reach full maturity and be complete and entire without blemish, lacking nothing: a completed masterpiece of God." James 1:2-4 (Pastor Rick's Version)