INTIMIDATION and DETERMINATION

 

Write From My Heart

August 24, 2021

 

INTIMIDATE  to cause the loss of courage or self-confidence as if by threat

DETERMINATION resolve; firm or fixed intention to achieve a desire outcome

 

Nehemiah 6:8-9 (NLT)  I replied, “There is no truth in any part of your story. You are making up the whole thing.” They were just trying to intimidate us, imagining that they could discourage us and stop the work. So I continued the work with even greater determination.

 

            By way of background, Nehemiah set out to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem. There is much more detail to this event found in the first seven chapters of Nehemiah and I would encourage you to go back and read the account if you are unfamiliar with it. For the moment it is sufficient to remember that Nehemiah’s task was a huge one and one which he took with great responsibility. What I never realized until this morning was that Nehemiah had his own dealings with the “woke” culture of his day. There they were—the little handful of naysayers—chirping out their rumors and lies and doing their best to discredit Nehemiah. Their goal was simply one of discouragement in the hopes of causing Nehemiah to lose confidence in his ability to complete the task. Wow, doesn’t that sound like something from today’s news? Here’s the bottom line: The Woke Culture’s intimidation resulted in Nehemiah’s determination.

            Perhaps you feel the Lord is leading you to be more active in your prayer life, your church life, or community involvement. For me, it was getting back to writing devotionals and posting them publicly. I have a dear friend who faithfully posts daily scriptures to a small group of women; a cousin who plays piano and posts daily hymns and uplifting music; another cousin who faithfully posts daily scripture verses—all these efforts bring hope and encouragement to more people than any of them will ever realize—including me! There will always be woke naysayers of some type in every generation. In spite of this, I ask you to join me in keeping your resolve firm and fixed on serving the Lord in whatever capacity he leads you. Nehemiah’s task was a difficult one and mine is minuscule compared to his. You may think your task is trivial. Just remember this, NO task is too small when it is dedicated to serving God!