Monday, November 27, 2017

November 27, 2017


Cooperating with God


“They replied, ‘Let us start rebuilding.  So they began this good work.”  Neh. 2:18

In Neh. 2:17-18 it was evident that the walls and gates were destroyed.  Nehemiah encouraged the people to rebuild, which they agreed to do.  The word build in Hebrew is “banah” and means to repair, set up, and build for future generations.  When the broken walls are rebuilt, it is not just for us, but for future generations!

When we say yes to the Lord’s invitation to rebuild, it is not easy.  We don’t know how long it will take, the obstacles we may face, and the process may be painful.  Some people may not want broken areas healed and restored because it is inviting the unknown into our lives: health, wholeness, new thoughts and behaviors.  Temptations may creep in; when that happens we must remind ourselves that God will not let us be “tempted beyond what we can bear,” according to 1 Cor. 10:13-14. 

Our example is Jesus.  John 6:38 records Jesus saying, “For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of Him who sent me.”  Jesus came from heaven as the Word became flesh and dwelt among men,  He could have done anything – but chose to do only the will of His Father who sent Him on a mission to redeem a broken world (filled with broken walls).  This mission lasted all the way to the cross and in Matthew 26:39 Jesus in His humanity declared, “My Father, if it possible, may this cup be taken from Me.  Yet not as I will, but as You will.”  It is always our choice to respond to the Lord’s invitation.

Lord, am I ready to fully surrender and submit my will, so that Your will can be established?

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