Part 2:Overcoming Adversity-Wisdom from Nehemiah's Story.
When we are working towards a future we desire and achieving our goals, we tend to get fixated on the results. We often measure our success by only looking at the end results. For example, your goal might be to build your emergency savings accounts to R200 000 so that the next time an emergency arises, you do not borrow from friends and family or end up in debt. You plan to put aside money monthly and you are well on your way to reach your goal.
The last 2 lessons I share from Nehemiah’s are celebration & gratitude and prayer and complete dependence on God. Throughout his journey of rebuilding the wall, Nehemiah took time to celebrate each milestone and show gratitude for the progress he was making along the way. This serves as a reminder to cultivate a spirit of celebration and gratitude in our own lives.
Graig Groeschel says “ You are successful when you do what you need to do today”. It is the small decision like choosing not to buy another item you do not really need in order to stay on track for your financial goal. Instead of waiting until you see that R200 000 in the bank, celebrate yourself for the right decisions you make daily so you do not compromise the bigger goal. Thank your friend who encouraged you when you first shared your dream. The colleague who shared tips on how to prepare for that program you enrolled for. Your accountability partners, your squad that keeps checking in and cheering you on. To be surrounded by like- minded people who dream big and take bold steps and also encourage you to do the same. Show gratitude.(Read Nehemiah 12)
Nehemiah 6:9 They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.” But I prayed, “Now strengthen my hands.”
Nehemiah's first response to the news about Jerusalem's broken walls was to pray to God. He was intentional about seeking God's guidance, wisdom, and strength before taking any action. He did not do this only at the beginning and once the project took off he stopped and said “ God, I got it from here, I can manage on my own”. Throughout the rebuilding process, he relied on prayer and trusted in God's providence. This teaches us the importance of seeking God's guidance in all aspects of our lives and depending on Him for strength and direction.
By cultivating a deep sense of faith and connection to something greater than ourselves, we can find strength and solace in challenging times. Terri Savelle Foy says “ Does praying about everything mean also praying about my weight loss journey? Yes”. Hebrews 11:11 says “Sarah's faith embraced God's miracle power to conceive even though she was barren and was past the age of childbearing, for the authority of her faith rested in the One who made the promise, and she tapped into his faithfulness.”
God, who gives us these dreams and visions is able to walk the journey with us only if we show complete dependance on him. Just like Sarah, tap into the faithfulness of God to see you through in the promise He has made. You will make your dreams a reality. Look for ways to show gratitude, celebrate yourself along your journey and never leave God, the giver of the vision, behind.