Be Determined
As followers of God, we must be determined to see His will accomplished and persevere in our work, even when it's difficult.
Warren Wiersbe challenges us to reflect on whether we are the kind of leaders and followers God desires us to be, drawing inspiration from Nehemiah's burden for God's work. He prompts us to consider if we are willing to make sacrifices, patient in planning, and humble enough to seek help from others. Wiersbe emphasizes the importance of motivating others based on God's work rather than personal agendas, urging us to discern if we are truly following the Lord's guidance. As followers, he encourages us to listen to our leaders, embrace new opportunities from God, and avoid cooperating with the enemy that seeks to hinder God's work. Through Nehemiah's example of prayer, action, perseverance, and faith, we are reminded of the power of determination fueled by faith in God's greatness.
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Are we the kind of leaders and followers God wants us to be? Like Nehemiah, do we have a burden in our hearts for the work God has called us to do? (Neh. 2:12). Are we willing to sacrifice to see His will accomplished? Are we patient in gathering facts and in planning our work? Do we enlist the help of others or try to do everything ourselves? Do we motivate people on the basis of the spiritual--what God is doing--or simply on the basis of the personal? Are they following us or the Lord as He leads us?
As followers, do we listen to what our leaders say as they share their burdens? Do we cling to the past or desire to see God do something new? Are we cooperating in any way with the enemy and thus weakening the work? Have we found the job God wants us to complete?
Anyone can go through life as a destroyer; God has called His people to be builders. What an example Nehemiah is to us! Trace his "so" statements and see how God used him: "So I prayed" (2:4); "So I came to Jerusalem" (v. 11); "So they strengthened their hands for this good work" (v. 18); "So built we the wall" (4:6); "So we labored in the work" (v. 21); "So the wall was finished" (6:15).
Were it not for the and determination that came from his faith in a great God, Nehemiah would never have finished the work.
As Dr. V. Raymond Edman used to say, "It is always too soon to quit."
Paul writes: "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain" (1 Cor. 15:58, niv).
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Determination
- Nehemiah's burden for the work of God
- The need for sacrifice and planning
- The role of leadership and motivation
Key Quotes
“It is always too soon to quit.” — Warren Wiersbe
“Anyone can go through life as a destroyer; God has called His people to be builders.” — Warren Wiersbe
Application Points
- We must be willing to sacrifice and persevere in our work for God, even when it's difficult.
- We must focus on the spiritual basis of our work, rather than just personal gain.
- We must remember that our labor in the Lord is not in vain, and that it's always too soon to quit.