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Discouragement: Its Causes and Cure
As we turn to Nehemiah 4:9-23, we find Nehemiah’s work crew discouraged for the first time since the project of rebuilding the walls around Jerusalem began. But what caused the discouragement? How did Nehemiah handle it? The answers to these questions apply directly to the discouragement many leaders face today.
Biblical Ignorance
The Reformation put Scripture into the hands of the people. God’s Word is resilient. It survives all attempts to destroy it. Don’t take your Bible for granted. Study it, learn it, know it.
The Skeptical Intellectual
Perhaps you’re a skeptic. You don’t believe in miracles, only in science, logic, and absolutes. The good news is Christ doesn’t ask you to check your brains at the door when you come to know Him personally. Just the opposite—you gain insight and knowledge through the Holy Spirit!
The Rest of the Story
Rebellion begins in childhood and continues into adulthood. That’s why it’s so important to teach young children to obey. And they learn best from their parents’ example.
Knocked Down, but Not Knocked Out
Nehemiah 4:1–9 shows that Israel’s leader didn’t back down, and the wall kept going up. How did he do it? Nehemiah pressed into prayer. Listen to these prayers with Pastor Chuck Swindoll, and remember that, when God is in a project, it can’t fail!
Second-Guessing Self-Pity
When times are tough it’s easy to get lost in self-pity. But instead of dwelling on your problems, think about others. When you choose to help others even though you’re struggling you are choosing to rise above your situation. You’re choosing victory instead of defeat.