Come on this Commitment journey with me...
One of the profound stories in the Bible is the story of Nehemiah. He is a man of great character, dependability, and most importantly commitment. He remains loyal to his family and his country. He gave up comfortability to accomplish what he knew in his heart God destiny for him. Although the task was not easy in the least bit, he was determined to complete what he started.
*Commitment requires that your heart is tied to the matter.
He wept after hearing that Jerusalem's walls had been torn down and its gates had been burned with fire. He immediately, fasted and prayed for many days to God for guidance. He confessed his
sins, sins of his family and sins of the Israelites admitting they acted wickedly and didn't obey the decrees and laws given by Moses. Nehemiah pleaded with God on the behalf of the Israelites. He asked if God could please hear his prayer and give him favor with the King. He was the King's cupbearer and needed favor in asking him if he could go.
**By any means necessary, prayer and fasting maybe necessary to see the hand of God.
The king recognized his sadness, asking what the problem was. Nehemiah explained, the king provided an army and a Calvary to go with him. He got there and the task was more than he could imagine. There were moments filled with victory and moments of defeat. Nehemiah had a huge task on his shoulder; however, God equipped him with planning, gathering the tools, strategizing, and the heart for the people.
*Nehemiah was determined and fully committed to the completion of building the wall and protecting his people. God laid a burden on his heart concerning his people.
Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official and Geshem officials in Judah were disturbed that Nehemiah came, saying he is rebelling against the king. Nehemiah said,
“The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding, but as for you, you have no share in Jerusalem or any claim or historic right to it.”
**Commitment is trusting and standing on the word of God no matter what it feels or looks like
They dealt with insults, opposition, and many interruptions along the way. Nehemiah cried out to God asking that the insults be turned back on their heads, and not to cover up their sins or bolt them out from their sight; give them over as plunder in a land of captivity.
As they were getting tired their enemies tried to attack them.
*Commitment comes with opposition expect it!
God gave the techniques, setting post with men around the wall with spears, amour, swords and shields. they carried bricks in one hand for building and weapons in the other. He told them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, yours sons, and your daughters, your wives and your homes. In addition, there was famine in the land. Nehemiah demanded the constitutes in the land, give back to them immediately their fields, vineyards, olive groves and houses, and the interest you are charging them—one percent of the money, grain, new wine, and olive oil. The word say's, "they agreed to pay a 100th part of their money back." Nehemiah along with his people made a written sealed and binding agreement that all would be returned to his people.
He didn't the entire time take the food allowance given to him. He had available to him choice foods, wine in abundance. He also did work on the wall with the others. Nehemiah reminded God of his sacrifice and commitment to the people of Jerusalem.
** Commitment request that we jump in to help and give up some things in the process.
The officials sent letters and messages to reach him while he was working on the wall. He told them he was working and didn't have time to entertain their request. Come to find out they were trying to distract him and get him to quit. The last straw, they hired someone to frighten him and do as he said and sin, so that they would have [grounds to make] a malicious report to censure and disgrace me.
**Distractions are a part of the enemy’s plot to get you off task. Trying to persuade you that what you are doing isn't worth it and it's not what you should be doing nor what God instructed you to do! When in fact it is exactly what he said!! The opposition is an indication that this is what you should complete.
Finally, the wall is finished. Nehemiah said, they recognized that this work was accomplished with God.
You may not see the fruit yet; however, your faith will not fail you.
Begin in Faith, Stand in Faith, Remain in Faith
Commitment...
Prayer:
Jesus, thank you for revealing to me trhough Nehemiah that all things are possible. When I place my trust in you and submit to your plan I can complete my assignment. I realize your plan for my life is what’s important and I need to submit to that which you need me to fulfill in the earth. I am a yield vessel prayerfully fit for the masters use. Please, give me clarity, wisdom and strength on that which you have already set in motion for me to complete.
In Jesus,, name. Amen