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Halfway There A Study in Nehemiah. LET US BUILD. “‘You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire. Come let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer be a reproach’…Then they set their hands to do this good work ”
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Halfway There A Study in Nehemiah
LET USBUILD “‘You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire. Come let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer be a reproach’…Then they set their hands to do this good work” (Neh. 2:17-18)
When Starting Something New:Excitement, Zeal, Passion, Dreams, Positive Attitudes
“So we built the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work” Nehemiah 4:6
DiscouragementSets In “We are not able to build the wall” (2:10)
Halfway There The halfway point is often the most discouraging part
Are You at the Halfway Point? • In your walk with God? • In parenting your children? • In your work with the church? • Individual goals/commitments? • In your marriage? Why is it so hard to push through the halfway point?
Causes forDiscouragement at the Halfway Point • Exhaustion – “The strength of the laborers is failing” (2:10) • “My spirit is overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is distressed…my spirit fails!” (Psa. 143:4,7)
Distracted – “there is so much rubbish” • Discouraged by looking at what has to be done instead of what has already been done • “Where no oxen are, the crib is clean, but much increase comes by the strength of the ox” (Prov. 14:4)
Causes forDiscouragement at the Halfway Point • Exhaustion – strength failing • Distracted - by rubbish • Hopeless – not able to build • Elijah – “It is enough! Now Lord take my life” (1 Kings 19:4) • Fear – our adversaries
SamariaSanballat Ashdod AmmonTobiah ArabsGeshem
SOLUTION:Pushing Past the Halfway Point • Remember on whom you rely – “Do not be afraid of them, remember the Lord, great and awesome” • Take eyes off distractions, rubbish, opposition and put eyes on almighty God • Peter sank when took eyes off Christ (Mt. 14:30) • “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Ro. 8:31) • “Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Eph. 3:20)
SOLUTION:Pushing Past the Halfway Point • Remember who you are fighting for - “fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives” • Unselfish service – serve others • Unite with fellow laborers • Build walls with faithful brethren not from brethren • Return to the task – “all of us returned to the wall, everyone to his work”
Don’t QuitHalfway! • Finish the race 2 Tim. 4:7 • Count the cost & finishLk 14:28-30 • Don’t let rocks & thorns destroy your faithMt. 13:20-23 • End better than beginningEcc. 7:8