Having the Right Tools
Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies found out that I had finished rebuilding the wall and that no gaps remained—though we had not yet set up the doors in the gates. So Sanballat and Geshem sent a message asking me to meet them at one of the villages in the plain of Ono.
But I realized they were plotting to harm me, so I replied by sending this message to them: “I am engaged in a great work, so I can’t come. Why should I stop working to come and meet with you?”
Four times they sent the same message, and each time I gave the same reply.
Nehemiah 6:1-4, NLT
How many times have you heard people say, "God will never give you more than you can handle?" Personally, I hate that phrase. Why? It's not true. We have Christians all over the world that are martyred because of their faith in Jesus Christ. I'm pretty sure that they would say death is more than they could handle. I think a better phrase is, "God will always give us the resources we need to carry out the vision he has for our life."
For example, if God calls you to be a school teacher, then he is going to give you the skills necessary to teach and help you complete your schooling. But you must do your part as well. You must still work hard in school and do your best.
This week, we are continuing the Core Value of living a Visionary Life, but instead of looking at the idea of Vision, we are looking at the obstacles that will come up as we journey towards the vision God has given us. If we know obstacles are coming, then we won't be derailed when they show up. Likewise, we can be looking for whatever tools God has already equipped us with to be ready for them.
This week, think about what's going on in your life. Are there obstacles that you wish God would just take away? Is it possible that you could see them in a different light? What if God has already provided you everything you needed to work through them, you just haven't seen it yet?
Prayer:
God, there are no obstacles we confront in our lives that you have not already confronted. You have given us the wisdom and tools to be able to stand firm and overcome each obstacle. May we simply follow in your footsteps with our hearts totally focused on you, our Victor. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Blessings!
-Faith
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Faith Parry serves as our Associate Pastor, and has been at the church since 2015. When she's not preaching and teaching, she enjoys documentaries and TV. Read more about Faith here.
