Words...

Words. Negative words, positive words, faith-filled words, fearful words. How much do they really impact our daily lives? I have noticed a lot lately that the United States, as a nation, is in a state of fear and negativity toward this God-based country. Now, I am not one who gets involved in the political aspects. I choose to be naive, because I absolutely hate the fear the media tries to impress in my mind and heart. I don't want to know all the negative things that are going on - I really don't! I would rather focus on the positive things, the amazing works God is doing in my life and the lives of others around me.

I am so grateful I found Nehemiah this morning! To give a little preface, Nehemiah and the Jews were building a wall. In chapter 5, the Jews struggled amongst themselves. Strife among them hindered their efforts to complete the wall, however an urgency to follow God's law allowed them to overcome it. Well, in chapter 6, enemies attempted to hinder their progress. They noticed the wall was solid, there weren't even any breaks in it! It continued to come together and the people continued to accomplish the work despite the problems and hinderances.

When reports of their success came to Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshum, (who had opposed Nehemiah's work for God from the beginning) they tried to oppose using a different tactic. They tried to meet with Nehemiah under the pretense that they were wrong, they wanted to repent, but in actuality, they only wanted to harm Nehemiah, and take him captive. Nehemiah refused all of their attempts. He knew they were opposed to God's work and saw beyond their schemes. He was persistent and refused to give in.

Now let me get to my point - the enemies were trying their hardest to intimidate Nehemiah. They tried to tell him "people were coming to kill him - that he should hide away, let them take them to a safe place" (verse 10). But Nehemiah's response was so great! 'Why would a man like me run for cover?' They were trying so hard to undermine Nehemiah's confidence! (How many times I've allowed others to do that to me????) Nehemiah saw it for exactly what it was! When the wall was finished and the enemies heard the news of the completion, they then lost their self-confidence - because they knew the work had been done with the help of our God!!!

Isn't that amazing faith? This country full of terrorist attacks, dreadful events that transpire, the sin that constantly goes on... Taking God out of schools? Taking God out of SO MUCH! The world will end in 2012? BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH

We start to become so intimidated, we become fearful - and all we need is a reminder of the simple comment made by Nehemiah "Why would a man like me run for cover?" Why would a child of God like me run for cover? I will not be intimidated by the world around me.

God promised us that if we, His people, would humble ourselves and pray and seek His face and turn from our wicked ways, He would heal our land. But I go back to WORDS. Faith-filled words are what change things. They move mountains. But in the same respect use them wrong and they can cause your entire life to go up in smoke. It is hard, but I am choosing to 'turn a deaf ear' to the bad news and just start praising and thanking God for His deliverance. EVERY WORD OF PRAISE WE SPEAK RELEASES FAITH IN OUR HEART. And as long as we keep our focus on Him, we will not sink - a storm can be going on around us but it will not distract us!

Today I thank you God, and praise you for the wonderful healing you are currently doing in our land. Lord you are bigger than any troubles this country may face, and you are who I turn to for those troubles to be reversed. Life is sometimes unfair - but you, God, are still Good. I ask you God to give me the strength, and to always remind me that no matter what enemies try to intimidate me in my journey to only glorify your name, I will not waiver in my confidence in you. I will not doubt your plan for one second. And when opposition comes my way, Lord, I will be like Nehemiah and will not be discouraged, but only more focused on you. I ask you all of these things, in Jesus' precious Name, Amen.