Day 18 - March 13, 2007
Nehemiah 4:1-8
Anything worth doing will be contested. This is a truth, but a dangerous one. It’s dangerous because in some twisted way we can come to think that something is God’s will precisely BECAUSE it’s contested, or because it’s difficult. Such thinking vilifies people who may have legitimate words of caution or correction to speak into our lives. So it’s dangerous to simply say that because something’s opposed, God is in it.
On the other hand, this text expresses an opposition that comes long after the calling has been confirmed, long after the work of God has begun. It’s important that we free ourselves from the introspection that so easily freezes us when we doubt we’re in God’s will. The remedy is easy. We need to continually recall how God has led us to this certain point in our history, whether that history be personal or collective. As we’re able to look back and see that God has been at the source of our activities, we’re given the courage to proceed in the midst of trials, difficulties, setbacks, and opposition.
That’s why I thank God for the manner in which he’s led Bethany down through the years – Not just in this building project of which we’re presently a part, but in countless ways. His provision at just the right time (such as in the purchasing and trading of a house before we even knew that we’d be building a facility), his confirmation of decisions, his opening a path before us (such as Bagley’s need for parking) – all these things become markers – a testimony that God is working in a significant way. It’s these markers that enable us to press on in the midst of setbacks, difficulties, and opposition, all of which are normal whenever anything significant is happening, both in our personal lives and in the life of the body .
Thank you Lord, for bringing us to this point in our history through a series of great events, including the purchase of each house over these many years, the aligning of Bagley’s need with our own, the signatures from neighbors, the public support, the city council ruling, and much more. Any of these events, had they turned out otherwise, would have been your sign that you’re directing us differently. But we would believe that this path is your will. Give us the faith to believe just as securely when the going is difficulty, for we are mindful that there will be difficulties. And as we persevere, may the spirit of endurance that you build into us, spill into other areas of our lives that we might honor you through faithful living in both the easy times and the difficult!
In Your name we pray
posted by Richard Dahlstrom @ 9:29 AM
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