Author: Pastor Andrew Farland
Starting something new is always exciting, isn’t it?
Whether you’re beginning a new job or starting a new project, it’s easy to be motivated by the freshness of it all. The problem is that once the honeymoon period wears off, it can be challenging to stay joyful and focused.
In the Old Testament, we read about Nehemiah, who was in charge of rebuilding the temple. He started a big team of workers who bought into the vision and worked night and day to complete it. They persevered until their adversaries threatened to destroy them, their families, and their project.
In the face of threats, Nehemiah could have given up and decided that life was more important than completing the construction of God’s temple. Instead of giving up, he developed a plan. Half of the workers would stand guard while the other half worked. After a while, they would switch roles.
Here’s what we learn from this story: You must protect your heart from the enemy’s attacks. If you follow Jesus, you are signed up to become the person God created you to be. And, the evil one wants nothing more than to distract you to the point that you give him a foothold in your life. In other words, Satan wants you to stop building the temple.
Today, think of the areas of your life that prevent you from guarding your heart. What is distracting you? Is it TV, the news, the friends you hang out with, dreams for your life?
Whatever it is, don’t quit on the project that God wants to do in your life. He wants you to become the best version of yourself. You might have to reorganize, restructure, or change your approach. But, don’t quit! Nehemiah didn’t and neither should you. Will it be hard? Will it feel like the world is caving in on you? Maybe. But, it’s worth it!
(“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15:7)
