Don't Quit!

Nehemiah 4:1-14

By JOSEPH HARRIS

Nehemiah is probably the most outstanding example of perseverance in the Bible. He persevered in rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem in the face of great difficulties.

Another man in more recent history persevered 28 years before achieving greatness. First, he lost his job in 1832. One year later, he failed in a business venture. In 1835, his sweetheart died; and the next year, he suffered from a nervous breakdown. Seven years later, he entered a bid for Congress and was defeated. He was however, elected to Congress in 1846, but lost five years later. Six more years passed, he tried again and was defeated in a bid for the Senate. In 1856, he lost the nomination for vice-president. Two years later, he was defeated again for the Senate. Then, in 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected President of the United States of America.

Though Nehemiah did not have to persevere 28 years to rebuild the wall, the setbacks he suffered were just as powerful as those of Lincoln. Actually, Nehemiah's problems may have been more severe, since he was fighting a spiritual battle for the glory of God.

Nehemiah was successful because he remained focused on his goal. When he and the people received word that their enemies were about to attack, he rallied the people together and stationed them by family around the weakened and exposed areas of the wall. When the enemy heard their attack plan was known to the Israelites, they withdrew.

"It came to pass, when our enemies heard that it was known unto us, and God had brought their counsel to nought, that we returned all of us to the wall, everyone unto his own work." Neh. 4:15.

The people remained focused on the goal at hand. They did not stop to have a praise and thanksgiving service, though they were surely thankful in their hearts. They did not get sidetracked and build a stone memorial for this day to be remembered forever. Instead, they immediately went back to work to finish the job at hand. The writer in Hebrews gives a word of encouragement in perseverance.

"Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1-2.

When you feel that you are at the end of your rope, tie a knot in the end of the rope and hold on. Hang in there. Don't quit! Victory is coming, for "we shall reap, if we faint not." Galatians 6:9. Stay with the job at hand! V

Joseph Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, MS. (This article may be reprinted in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear). To receive or discontinue emails, contact joharris@comcast.net with ADD or REMOVE.