NEHEMIAH 13:14 (ESV)
“Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and do not wipe out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God and for his service.”
CONFIDENCE IN GOD
As we watch the story in Nehemiah unfold, it is interesting to note that we do not see any miracles. There were times of suffering and it took planning and hard work to rebuild the walls and reinstitute the law. Some might wonder where God was during all that time. It is especially hard when we can’t understand God’s timing or His ways when troubles come.
God said in Isaiah 55:8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
God is always present, and He was fulfilling His greater plan in bringing Salvation to the entire world. The faithful hard work, even during difficult times was indeed part of God’s plan.
Like Job, there may be times of suffering that we will never understand. There may be suffering on a national scale like Israel or currently, the country of Ukraine, or it may be on a personal level for you right now.
May we respond in prayer as Job did in Job 42:2 “I know that you can do all things and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”
It may be hard to recall God’s character while so much suffering is happening unless you have confidence that God’s plans can not be thwarted and His character can be trusted.
Nehemiah reminded the nation of God’s character. “And you saw the affliction of our fathers in Egypt and heard their cry at the Red Sea, and performed signs and wonders against Pharaoh and all his servants … And you made a name for yourself, as it is to this day.” Nehemiah 9:9-10
Nehemiah said “But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” Nehemiah 9:17
It is wise to remember that we may not understand the plans of the Lord, but our confidence should always be in the character of God.
Why not take a moment to recall some of the characteristics of God. He is all-knowing, all-powerful, slow to anger, merciful, and eternal. He is faithful, good, and gracious. He is invisible and infinite. His justice is perfect.
Lord, help us to have faith like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who said “our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods.” Daniel 3:17-18
Lord, grow our faith to have more confidence because of your character!
“Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and do not wipe out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God and for his service.”
CONFIDENCE IN GOD
As we watch the story in Nehemiah unfold, it is interesting to note that we do not see any miracles. There were times of suffering and it took planning and hard work to rebuild the walls and reinstitute the law. Some might wonder where God was during all that time. It is especially hard when we can’t understand God’s timing or His ways when troubles come.
God said in Isaiah 55:8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
God is always present, and He was fulfilling His greater plan in bringing Salvation to the entire world. The faithful hard work, even during difficult times was indeed part of God’s plan.
Like Job, there may be times of suffering that we will never understand. There may be suffering on a national scale like Israel or currently, the country of Ukraine, or it may be on a personal level for you right now.
May we respond in prayer as Job did in Job 42:2 “I know that you can do all things and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”
It may be hard to recall God’s character while so much suffering is happening unless you have confidence that God’s plans can not be thwarted and His character can be trusted.
Nehemiah reminded the nation of God’s character. “And you saw the affliction of our fathers in Egypt and heard their cry at the Red Sea, and performed signs and wonders against Pharaoh and all his servants … And you made a name for yourself, as it is to this day.” Nehemiah 9:9-10
Nehemiah said “But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” Nehemiah 9:17
It is wise to remember that we may not understand the plans of the Lord, but our confidence should always be in the character of God.
Why not take a moment to recall some of the characteristics of God. He is all-knowing, all-powerful, slow to anger, merciful, and eternal. He is faithful, good, and gracious. He is invisible and infinite. His justice is perfect.
Lord, help us to have faith like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who said “our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods.” Daniel 3:17-18
Lord, grow our faith to have more confidence because of your character!
Posted in Character
Recent
Archive
2023
2022
January