Hostile Environment

"When our enemies heard that we knew of their plans and that God had frustrated them,

we all returned to our work on the wall.

But from then on,

only half my men worked while 

the other half stood guard with 

spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail.

The leaders stationed themselves behind 

the people of Judah who were building the wall.  

The laborers carried on their work 

with one hand supporting their load 

and one hand holding a weapon.  

All the builders had sword belted to their side.  

The trumpeter stayed with me to sound the alarm."

Nehemiah 4:15-18 NLT

Nehemiah and the people of Judah had a job to do.  Even though God had sent Nehemiah to start work on rebuilding the wall, providing the necessary supplies and paving the way, his job was not without trouble.  There were those who opposed his work, fighting him every step of the way.

Don't I live in a similar environment?  While I may not be physically threatened, today's culture does threaten my faith.  How then does the church survive?

Delegation.  Abortion.  Euthanasia.  Gay marriage.  Restriction of religious freedom.  Banishment of God from public domain.  There are many ways our culture is defying God and His intended purpose for His image bearers.  As we stray further and further away, those who follow Jesus become increasingly alarmed.  But we can't all spend our days fighting such moral battles.

When my husband served in the Army, I learned that not every soldier serves on the front lines.  Instead, each is trained in specific areas and a large majority are used behind the scenes, supporting those who are engaging in combat.  Similarly, while we are all in the battle taking place in this fallen world, only some are called to the front lines.  My job, then, is to focus on my mission and to support those who are covering me against the enemy's attacks.

God has placed each of us exactly where He wants us, has called each to a specific mission and has equipped every one with talents and gifts to be used in that charge.  In short, God delegates duties.  He calls some to fight the battles, preserving religious freedoms, protecting the innocent from dangerous legislation or even standing in the gap as prayer warriors.  

The people of God can stay on task when each diligently works where God has placed them while supporting those who are on the front lines.

Leadership.  A leader is not always out in front.  Many times, it is the purpose of a leader to stand behind those he leads.  Such was the case in Nehemiah's time when the leaders positioned themselves behind their people to encourage, protect and assist.  

Therefore, I would be wise to learn from this model of leadership, realizing that there are some who are watching me, learning from me, and following behind me.  Since I have such influence, I must make every effort to lend them a hand when possible, smooth the way for them to grow in their faith, and encourage them in their walk.  Who am I leading and how can I provide this kind of leadership?

A leader in God's kingdom is a servant who helps to equip the people to succeed in their God-given calling.

Equipped.  It's important to know that God goes before me always, fighting my battles for me.  With such knowledge, I can boldly step forward into the fray, keeping my weapons at the ready, being alert to the battle at hand and never letting my guard down.

While my battle is not physical, I am in a war as a follower of Christ living in a world ruled by my enemy.  Therefore, I must keep God's Word, my sword, set to use at all times (Ephesians 6:17).  Then I can wield my weapon against the enemy any time he attacks, reminding him of the truth, shedding light in the darkness, and giving all who hear a dose of hope.

It is also important that I not let my guard down while I am here in enemy territory.  Even though I am secure in Christ, I make myself vulnerable to attack when I deny the existence of an enemy, or pretend he is not a threat, or forget he is always looking for chinks in my armor (1 Peter 5:8).  Therefore I must stay alert, watching for ways he is attempting to isolate me from the Body of Christ, or tempt me to doubt in God's ability to use me, or steal the peace that comes from trusting God.  I am uniquely equipped to fight while I serve in my area of calling.

Knowing that God fights for me empowers me to stand strong against my enemies, staying alert to the battle at hand, even while I answer His calling.

As a follower of Christ, I have a job to do, similar to the task facing Nehemiah and the people of Judah in building the wall.  Even in the midst of such a calling, I am not without opposition.  Therefore, God delegates some to fight on the front lines while I support their efforts and benefit from their diligence. It is also important for leaders to stand behind their sheep, providing an atmosphere conducive to work.  Finally, I must realize I'm equipped to be ready to fight when necessary, always aware that God is my ultimate Warrior.  Even though I serve God in a hostile environment, I can still complete the mission given to me.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can remember that God has my back.

How am I afraid to step out in faith, fearing the backlash that may come from my stance?

When do I avoid my mission because I'm unwilling to work in a hostile environment, afraid it may cost me my security or comfort? 

  

Own Responsibility

"Then the LORD said to Moses,

'Call forward the tribe of Levi,

and present them to Aaron 

the priest to serve as his assistants.

They will serve Aaron and the whole community,

performing their sacred duties in

and around the Tabernacle.

They will also maintain all the furnishings of the sacred tent,

serving in the Tabernacle on behalf of all the Israelites.

Assign the Levites to Aaron and his sons.

They have been given from among all the people

of Israel to serve as their assistants.'"

Numbers 3:5-9

Everyone had a designated spot to pitch their tent.  Each tribe was assigned a specific area around the Tabernacle to establish camp.  Whenever the Israelites moved to a new location, the Tabernacle would form the frame of reference for their set-up.  The Levites were a bit different, however.  Instead of being assigned a spot some distance from the Tent of Meeting, each son of Aaron and their families were given an area directly surround the Tabernacle as their own, and Moses and the priests lived on the east side. (Numbers 2-3)  

Not only did the Levites live in close proximity to the Tabernacle, but they also were given specific jobs to do in service to the Tent of Meeting based on which family into which they were born.  It makes me think of the way God has given each of His children specific gifts and then called us to use them to edify the body of Christ.  In the same way that members of the tribe of Levi were assigned certain areas of responsibility, I've been given a specific job to do.

Duty

It is like a well-oiled machine.  Soldiers scurry around, each doing their particular job, accomplishing the mission in no time.  When an Army unit is deployed to carry out a certain job, like firing artillery, each member of the unit knows exactly what to do.  Every soldier has been trained in overall conduct, but also in their specific area of expertise.  Each carries a level of responsibility to do what they are trained to do as part of the greater mission. If one soldier fails, the whole unit is at risk of failing.

In a similar way, I am a part of a greater body.  It is not only to myself and my family to whom I am accountable.  Once I pledge to follow Christ, I become part of a greater purpose carried out by the family of God.  With the gift of the Holy Spirit given to each believer (Acts 2:38) comes a specific area of expertise, so to speak.  One may be equipped to serve, while another to teach.  Some are given the ability to discern between that which is from God and that which is not, while others know just when to give an encouraging word and what will best bolster another's faith.  

In the same way each soldier is expected to carry out their duty in the way they've been trained, I'm expected to do what God's Spirit has specifically enabled me to do. (1 Corinthians 12:27)  If I don't do my part, the body of Christ as a whole will suffer.

It is easy to feel inadequate to carry out the function that has been assigned to me.  Like Moses, I can easily cite all kinds of reasons why I can't do my part. (Exodus 4:10-12) Other times, I would rather do what I see others doing.  Then there are times when I simply don't want to bother.  Whatever the excuse, it is my responsibility to play the role I've been appointed to fulfill.

I have been given a duty to use the gift given through God's indwelling Spirit to profit the body of Christ.

Poach

My friend's husband was inventorying stock as part of his job.  The company he works for is hired to count and accurately record current supply levels of other retail businesses.  When the employees at a certain establishment observed his knowledge of the unique parts found in their auto supply store, the manager approached him and asked him to apply to his company.  

While I'm not here to debate whether poaching is or is not an ethical business practice, it does remind me of something discouraging that takes place in the body of Christ.  God is clear that He has given each of us certain positions to fill in the body of Christ.  When I attempt to take over another's position, I am stealing their job.

As a mother, I am used to doing what needs to be done.  If I see an area that is lacking, then, I tend to jump in and complete the job.  When I take this same approach and apply it to the body of Christ, however, in my zeal to help, I could be doing a job that someone else is called to do.  While we can all pitch in and help to accomplish specific missions, each of us is assigned a certain spot.  It is important that I don't unknowingly discourage someone else from stepping out in faith by filling their position.

When I drive in heavy traffic, I often think about how much I trust the drivers around me to stay in their own lanes.  When someone recklessly veers across the freeway, ignoring the specific lanes, it endangers us all.  In the same way, I must be careful to stay in my lane, doing only what I am called to do.  If I keep my attention on the job at hand, I will stay plenty busy.  If my eye wanders to what I'd rather do or to something I think needs to be done, I'm getting out of my area of responsibility and into someone else's.

It is important that I use my own specific gift given through God's indwelling Spirit to profit the body of Christ.

Faith

She labored through four years of college to earn her undergraduate degree.  After taking the grueling admissions test, she applied to medical school.  Now, my friend's training really begins as she learns all basics of medicine during medical school.  Her preparation will not be finished once she graduates, however, because she will still need to complete at least 3 years of a residency where she will work in a hospital setting under senior residents and attending physicians.  It takes years of training to become a medical doctor.

In contrast, I need no training to utilize my gifts.  Instead, the Holy Spirit supernaturally equips me to carry out the function He designed for me to fulfill.  It is not based on my naturally abilities or learned techniques to do what I am purposed to do to build up the body of Christ.  Rather, my state of readiness is found in the way God has empowered me to function.

This is not to say I won't need to prepare to teach a class if my gift is teaching, or that I won't need to work hard when serving others if I've been blessed with the gift of service.  Instead, it means I am uniquely equipped to do what God has called me to do.  There is no special training I must go through before I can step into the role God has prepared for me.

Consequently, I really have no excuse to not do my part.  The only thing keeping me from moving forward is faith.  There is no way that I can please God without it, and I can't look beyond myself if I don't have it.  Faith is what drives me forward into the darkness of the unknown where Jesus dwells.  

If I am waiting to believe in myself before I go forward, I'll be delayed a long time.  Instead, I must blindly walk toward what God is calling me to do, trusting that He has already given me what I need to accomplish the mission at hand.  Out on the end of a limb is a scary place to be, but it is the only place where I can find Christ!  He doesn't dwell in the safe, comfortable places, but in the deep waters where I can't touch the bottom.  Then, as I'm floundering around, I'll find that His grace is enough to get me through.  (2 Corinthians 12:9)

In order to use the gifts given to me through God's indwelling Spirit, I will need to step forward in faith.  

The Lord is a God of order.  Not surprisingly, then, He has created a place for each of His children to serve in His family.  In order for the body of Christ to function as He intended, however, I will need to do my part, stay in my lane, and step out in faith.  When I purposefully strive to follow these guidelines, I will find I am fulfilling my own responsibility.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can keep my focus on what God has called me to do.

When am I afraid to step forward in faith because I can't picture myself doing what God has already equipped me to do?

How do I sometimes try to do what needs to be done instead of asking myself if this is truly my own responsibility?

Equipped to Serve

"Then the LORD said to Moses,

'See I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri,

the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah,

and I have filled him with the Spirit of God,

with wisdom,

with understanding,

with knowledge

and all kinds of skills-

to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze,

to cut and set stones,

to work in wood,

and to engage in all kinds of crafts.

Moreover,

I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamak,

of the tribe of Dan, to help him.

Also I have given ability to all the skilled workers 

to make everything I have commanded you.'"

Exodus 31:1-6

"I'm not good enough."

"I don't know enough about God."

"I doubt anyone will listen to me."

"I've never been able to do anything like that before."

This is a list of the excuses Moses gave to God before the burning bush.  Despite the amazing miracles the Lord performed to reassure him, Moses remained skeptical.  His final response to God's patient encouragement was, "Send someone else."  (Exodus 3-4:17)

Even though I've read this account of the calling of Moses dozens of times, it never ceases to strike a familiar chord within me.  I can relate to Moses on so many levels!  It's easy to consider the signs and wonders God performed in his midst and ask, What's wrong with this guy?  Why is he so insecure?  

If I put myself in his shoes, however, and switch the command from going to visit Pharaoh in Egypt with speaking to a large group, leaving my family to live in a faraway mission field, or starting a new ministry or business, I suddenly empathize with his reluctant reaction.

God doesn't set me up for failure.  If He calls me to do something, He will give me what I need to accomplish the task He has set aside for me.  Therefore, I can live accordingly.

By Faith

The talk show host famous for inciting antagonism and fueling arguments by playing the so-called devil's advocate grilled Billy Graham in his familiar style.  Instead of getting a rise out of the famous evangelist, however, he received a response that stopped him in his tracks.  "You will never be able to reason your way to understanding; that will never work.  The 

gospel is something you have to take by faith."

God used Billy Graham to render Phil Donahue speechless.  Was it because he had studied different styles and prepared appropriate responses?  Did he possess such intuitive people skills that he was able to come up with the perfect come-back for each person?  Was he a polished debater who had spent hours practicing the art of deliberation?  

No, none of the above.  Instead, Billy Graham trusted God to provide the words each person needed to hear.  So, when he delivered the response that stopped Donahue cold, it wasn't just words he was delivering.  Instead, it was a way of life for Graham.  He had lived most of his life by faith, believing what God said simply because had God said it. 

While I tend to look at all the obstacles I see around me and question whether God can really meet all my needs like He has promised, a faith-filled response would be, "God will provide." (Matthew 6:33)  When I focus on the pain that overwhelms coupled with the depressing odds given by the medical experts, a faith-filled attitude would be, "With God nothing is impossible." (Luke 1:37)  When I sense God calling me to what seems to be out of the question considering my abilities, a faith-filled reaction would be, "Here I am; send me." (Isaiah 1:7-8)

Walking forward in faith is possible when I place more clout in God and His abilities than in me and my lack thereof.

In Action

I opened my eyes but could see nothing around me.  The darkness was so deep that it seemed to close in on me, making me feel claustrophobic.  We had lost power after a storm and the lack of light in the dead of the night was absolute.  Still, I needed to find my way to the bathroom.  Knowing the familiar route from my bed to the toilet should have been easy, but without the benefit of my vision, it was a scary thing to take each step.  I knew the floor was solid beneath my feet and the way clear of obstacles, but I still hesitated, unsure if I could make it without incident.

I depend on my vision so much that when I lose it for a time, like after that fateful storm, it is hard to function.  My ability to make it to the bathroom depended on a faith in my memory of the route as well as the integrity of the floor.  While it may have felt I would step off a precipice at any moment, I knew without a doubt that the house had not given way.  Therefore, I willed myself to move forward, believing that everything was as I had left it before going to bed.

It's the same with God.  I know much about Him from reading His Word and have seen Him work in some mighty ways as He provided exactly what I needed, protected me from harm and gave me the strength to carry on.  Still, when I'm faced with the next obstacle, need or calling, I tend to doubt, putting more clout in what I can sense than in the God who I can't see, touch or feel.

Faith is not about what goes on inside of me, but in what comes out through action.  I can talk and think about what I believe all day long, but unless I put it into practice, it isn't real.  Unless I go when God says, "Go!" or I move when God says, "Move!"  or I wait when God says, "Wait!" my faith means nothing. (James 2:14-26)

Faith without action is no faith at all.

With Confidence

His sense of self-assurance bordered on cockiness.  When the business executive walked into the room, he commanded the attention of all in attendance.  The people gathered for the presentation believed everything he said simply because he sounded so sure of himself.  I wondered how he could be so confident.

While some people seem to be born with a strong ability to believe in themselves and their abilities, others are so insecure they don't think they are able to complete even the simplest of tasks.  Most people fall somewhere in between these two extremes.  While our culture extols the virtues of developing a strong sense of self and belief in what we can do, I learn a conflicting truth in God's Word. (Philippians 3:3)

Instead of a trust in myself and belief in my own abilities driving me forward in self-assurance, I can step forward in faith based on my confidence in a powerful, sovereign God who is faithful to keep His promises. (Psalm 118:8-9)  Peter demonstrated this God-confidence when he spoke boldly before the intimidating Sanhederin, the Jewish ruling council.  

As a follower of Jesus, Peter had heard Jesus say they would do even greater things than He. (John 14:12-14)  By faith, then, Peter and John stepped out in ministry, spreading the Good News and healing people.  When the Holy Spirit gave Peter the words to defend himself against the accusations of the skeptical Jewish leaders, they were astonished by his courage and could not deny the miracle of the once lame man now standing before them.  It was obvious there was something different about this man.  (Acts 4:8-17)

I can possess the same confidence Peter exhibited if I would only believe in what God is able to accomplish through me.  When I trust Him enough to move forward in faith, I will exude a similar confidence, boldly approaching the throne of grace to receive all I need to carry out the task set before me. (Hebrews 4:16) Sometimes that is to endure hardship, other times it is to speak with power, or even to accomplish an overwhelming mission.  Whatever I am called to do, I can move forward with the assurance of one who is thoroughly equipped through God's indwelling Spirit. (Ephesians 3:20)

When I walk by faith I will move with confidence in the One who equips me for every good work that He has called me to do.  (Ephesians 2:10)

God gives each of us a mission but He doesn't leave us to our own devices.  Instead, He provides everything we need to accomplish the task at hand.  Therefore, I can walk forward with the belief that He will supply, proving that my faith is real and giving me a confidence not in myself, but in the One who is the source of all good things.  There is no doubt that God can be trusted as my Provider, but I will only discover this truth if I step blindly forward, before I see any evidence of this provision.  It is then that I will see how I am equipped to serve.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to obey His calling on my life.  

When do I let my own insecurities hold me back?

How can I keep my eyes on the power of God instead of my own lack of abilities?