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Harvester Church of the Nazarene

March 15, 2009

Pastor Harold Wedel

TODAY’S MESSAGE:

You Can Make It!

 

Causes of Discouragement

1.        Fatigue

“Then the people of Judah began to complain that the workers were becoming tired.” (Nehemiah 4:10a, NLT)

 

“Never forget how the Amalakites … attacked you when you were exhausted and weary, and they struck down those who began to lag behind …” (Deuteronomy 25:18, NLT)

 

2.        Frustration

“… and there was so much rubble to be moved …” (Nehemiah 4:10b, NLT)

 

“Come, Lord, and show me your mercy, for I feel helpless, overwhelmed, and in deep distress.” (Psalm 25:16, LB)

 

3.        Failure

“… and the people said, ‘We cannot rebuild the wall.” (Neh.4:10c, NIV)

 

                “We will never be able to finish it.” (Ibid)

4.        Fear

“Also our enemies are saying, ‘Before they know it or see us … we will come and kill them and put an end to their work!” (Nehemiah 4:11, NIV)

 

“Then those of us who lived near the enemy came and told us ten times over, ‘Wherever you turn, they will attack us!’”

Resources for Recovery

1.        Rest your body

“You made my body Lord – now give me sense to heed your laws.” (Psalms 119:73, LB)

 

“It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved one.” (Psalm 127:2, NLT)

 

“He gives power to those who are tired and worn out.  He offers strength to the weak … Those who wait on the Lord will find new strength.” (Isaiah 40:29-31, NLT)

 

2.        Reorganize your life

“So I stationed armed guards at the most vulnerable places of the wall and assigned people by families with their swords, lances, and bows.” (Nehemiah 4:13, The Message)

 

“Some people have gotten out of the habit of meeting with other believers, but we must not do that.  Instead, we should keep on encouraging each other.” (Hebrews 10:25, CEV)

 

3.        Refocus on God

“Then as I looked over the situation, I called together the leaders and the people and said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid of the enemy!  Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious.’” (Neh. 4:14, NLT)

 

“I’m completely discouraged.  Revive me by your Word.” (Psalm 119:25, LB)

 

4.        Resist any discouragement

[Nehemiah said] “… Fight for your brothers, and your sons and your daughters, and wives and homes!” (Nehemiah 4:14b, NIV)

 

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9, NIV)

 

“The most important thing is that I finish my mission, the work that the Lord Jesus gave me – to tell people the Good News about God’s grace.” (Acts 20:24, NCV)