A committed person is an "overcomer"

This week, we've continued our study of the first chapter of Nehemiah. As we close our notes on this chapter (though we will revisit it from time to time) I believe the Spirit has one more thing to tell us here . . .

Not only is it important to have a heart burdened for others; not only is it imperative that we have compassion as Jesus Christ did; not only is it needful for us to visualize God's purpose and then commit to the work -- it's also crucial that we realize there will be obstacles.

Nehemiah was willing to overcome obstacles for the sake of God's purpose. In fact, the rest of his book is an account of how he overcame one obstacle after another!

We will see opposition from his enemies, both open and sneaky.
There will be anger, rage, jealousy, and lots of yelling.
We will see grumbling and problems within the ranks of the people.
Through it all, we will see that Nehemiah persisted.
In fact, the wall around the city was completed in only fifty-two days!

If you and I try to do anything in service for God, we are going to face opposition. We are going to stare at obstacles. Some of this will come from the world, but often the most difficult opposition comes from within the body of believers.

 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first."  (John 15:18)

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:11-12)

Even from within our families.

You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 Everyone will hate you because of me. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 Stand firm, and you will win life. (Luke 21:16-19)

It's up to us to realize (before we even begin an effort for Him) that we are going to encounter problems. It's also up to us to commit ourselves to God and His purpose.

Some trust in chariots and some in horses,    but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They are brought to their knees and fall,    but we rise up and stand firm. (Psalm 20:7-8)

And to endure. For His sake.

In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed ... (Titus 2:7-8a)

When we are committed to His purpose, we will be "overcomers." We will prevail over obstacles for the sake of God's purpose.

for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. (I John 5:4)

I'd like to challenge all of us to think about this, and to make changes if necessary: let's spend our lives for the only purpose that lasts: to see the nations and peoples glorify God for His great mercy in Christ Jesus.  Let's ask the Spirit to give us a burden for people, a vision for His purpose, and a commitment to endure.

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. 8 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed 9 and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written:“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles;    I will sing the praises of your name.”
10 Again, it says,“Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.”11 And again,“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles;    let all the peoples extol him.”
12 And again, Isaiah says,“The Root of Jesse will spring up,    one who will arise to rule over the nations;    in him the Gentiles will hope." (Romans 15:5-12)

 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)