Seventh Day Baptist
Christian Education Council
PO BOX 1678
Janesville, WI 53547
—Nehemiah 4:7-14
by: Angie Osborn.
Discouragement! What a weapon that is. Things had been moving along well. The people were working hard; they had a desire to rebuild the wall. They had a belief that with God's help, they could get it done. They even accomplished things ahead of schedule while Sandballet and Tobiah were working to discourage them. When ridicule didn't work, they turned to threats. After repeated insults and threats, the Jewish people started to become discouraged and fearful. Yet God put a spirit of confidence in Nehemiah and gave him a vision and purpose. Nehemiah saw that vision through the down times. God gives leaders, and he gives our leaders vision. When we feel discouraged, we need to look to God-given authorities for encouragement; God cannot be thwarted.