Compare Our Modern Lives & World With Nehemiah's

There are many people who disregard history. But, if we are willing to learn from history, especially biblical history, we can learn many tremendously valuable lessons about how to overcome all sorts of problems in our earthly lives, even if it is to simply endure our present sufferings and tasks with praise and thanksgiving to God. The Book of Nehemiah is a wealth of information about honesty, hard work, faith, prayer, humility, spiritual and worldly warfare, and great victories in the face of major opposition, from friends and foes alike.

Here are some ideas to look for as you read this treasure trove of how to combat worldly and spiritual attacks, and how to accomplish godly missions in your life.

1. Nehemiah is a book about how to not only walls and gates, but how to fix cultures and nations. God also shows us how to tackle personal problems.

2. A central theme is that we need to have a personal and social will to humble ourselves before God and talk with Him about everything that is going on in our lives, both pleasant and unpleasant. That is the will to pray.

3. God also points out that our hearts need to be tuned to what God calls us to accomplish in life, and that we must be willing to pursue that work, i.e. we need to put our heart, mind, spirit, and will into that work.

4. It raises the question of whether we are willing to sacrifice profit for good, self for others, and personal aspirations for the betterment of God's purpose in serving those around us. I think God's point is that it is not enough to give some of ourselves, for all that we are and have is on loan to us from Him.

5. Are we willing to refrain from taking undue advantage of those around us, especially those who may be less fortunate in worldly health or goods?

6. Are we willing to trust in God and His purpose throughout our work, if we are to expect to have any confidence, peace, and strength in accomplishing our mission?

7. Are we growing in Him and His ways, willingly preparing ourselves to work and to war, whichever comes upon us?

8. Can we admit and accept, without reservation, that whatever our skills and accomplishments, all that we are and have has come from Almighty God, our Creator?

9. Do we allow ourselves to be confident that God is working on those things over which we have no control, beyond our preparations and our surrender to God's will?