It's a Fight to the Finish: Lessons from Nehemiah

Pastor Jeremy Eastman emphasizes the importance of perseverance and faith in the face of adversity, drawing lessons from Nehemiah's journey in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. He highlights the need to stay focused on God's calling, resist distractions, and maintain a strong connection with God to overcome challenges.

In a recent sermon at Ignite Church WV, Pastor Jeremy Eastman delivered a powerful message titled "It's a Fight to the Finish." As we approach the end of the year and reflect on our journeys, Eastman encourages us to recognize the importance of perseverance in our faith and the challenges we face.

The Context of Our Fight

As we near the end of a season, whether it be a year or a significant life phase, it is crucial to understand that our time on Earth is limited compared to eternity. Eastman reminds us that Jesus declared, "It is finished" on the cross, and because He finished His work, we too must strive to finish our own race. The Apostle Paul emphasizes this in his letters, urging believers to complete their own journeys with faith and determination.

Diving into Nehemiah 6

The sermon centers around Nehemiah 6, where Nehemiah faces opposition while rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. After years of destruction, Nehemiah was called by God to restore the walls, which had left God's people vulnerable and exposed to their enemies. The rebuilding process was nearing completion, with only the gates left to install.

The Opposition

As Nehemiah worked diligently, he faced persistent attempts from his enemies, including Sanballat and Tobiah, to distract and deter him from his mission. They invited him to meet, but Nehemiah recognized their intentions were harmful. He responded firmly, stating, "I am doing a great work and cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?" This response illustrates the importance of staying focused on our God-given tasks, even when distractions arise.

The Power of Prayer

Nehemiah's strength came from his unwavering connection with God. Throughout the challenges, he continually sought God's guidance and strength. When faced with false accusations and threats, Nehemiah prayed, "Now, O God, strengthen my hands." This highlights the necessity of prayer in our lives, especially when we encounter opposition.

The Nature of Opposition

Eastman points out that when we step into our calling, we can expect opposition. The enemy will attempt to sow doubt and fear, trying to make us second-guess our purpose. Nehemiah's enemies used various tactics, including fear-mongering and public accusations, to undermine his work. However, Nehemiah remained resolute, refusing to be distracted or deterred.

Recognizing Evil Intent

In the story, Nehemiah encountered individuals who were not merely misguided but had evil intentions. Eastman emphasizes the importance of discerning the motives of those who oppose us. Nehemiah understood that some people would come with ill will, and he wisely chose not to engage with them. Instead, he focused on his mission and the calling God had placed on his life.

Key Takeaways for Our Lives

1. Stay Focused on God's Calling: Just as Nehemiah did not allow distractions to derail him, we must remain committed to our God-given tasks. When faced with opposition, we should remind ourselves of our purpose and the work we are called to do.

   
   

2. Pray for Strength: In moments of doubt or fear, turning to God in prayer is essential. Nehemiah's example teaches us to seek divine strength and guidance as we navigate challenges.

   
   

3. Do Not Let Fear Take Root: The spirit of fear is not from God. We must resist the urge to be afraid and instead trust in God's plan for our lives.

   
   

4. Avoid Distractions: We should be cautious about engaging with those who do not have our best interests at heart. If someone is not encouraging or uplifting, it may be wise to limit our interactions with them.

   
   

5. Recognize the Nature of Opposition: Understand that not all opposition is benign. Some may come with ulterior motives, and it is crucial to discern their intentions.

   
   

Conclusion

Pastor Jeremy Eastman's message serves as a reminder that our journey of faith is often a fight to the finish. By staying focused on God's calling, praying for strength, and resisting distractions, we can overcome the challenges we face. Just as Nehemiah completed the wall in 52 days despite opposition, we too can finish our race with perseverance and faith.

Let us commit to hearing from God and moving forward in our calling, knowing that we are not alone in this fight.