Page 13 - May 2015 Catalyst

more ugly. The Israelites suffered mockery but here’s how they handled it, “Now Tobiah the Ammonite was beside him, and he said, “Whatever they build, if even a fox goes up on it, he will break down their stone wall.” (Nehemiah 4:3)
Here is a very important fact or lesson how Nehemiah responded to the level of perse- cution that was increased. Instead of him responding, he took his case to God; “Hear, O our God, for we are despised; turn their reproach on their own heads, and give them as plunder to a land of captivity! Do not cover their iniquity, and do not let their sin be blotted out from before You; for they have provoked You to anger before the builders” (Nehemiah 4:4-5NIV).
It’s almost never productive to get into a de- bate with those who criticize you for your standoffaith. Don’tevensayanythingto your attackers. Talk to God about it. When you do, you’ll maintain your faith and pur- pose and start seeing progress toward what you’re to accomplish. What others have to
say is irrelevant. What matters is what God says about the matter. (Psalm 119:89)
After Nehemiah and the Israelites responded correctly, they had the job halfway finished. (Nehemiah 4:6NIV)
When you get a Word from God, put your mind and heart upon that word and don’t let anything or anyone distract you nor criticism, nor laughter nor mockery nor persecution null and void the Word of God. The Word of God becomes your plumb line or cornerstone that guides all your activity.
We cannot use a wall because though a wall may appear straight and true, it isn’t always so. Likewise, people’s opinion or traditions may appear to be true and a reliable point to center up on, but they’re not. “The only trustworthy standard is God’s Word.” If you’ll get focused on God’s Word, you can ignore anything the Sanballats of this world may throw at you. Of course, your determination and faith always infuriates the devil just as Israel’s persistence angered the Sanballats. (Nehemiah 4:7-8NIV)
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May 2015
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