Welcome to Kendra Graham’s online Bible study. This is a place where we can come together and share in our journey towards Scriptural truths and spiritual maturity. We pray this will be a safe, respectful, resourceful place to come and discuss God’s Word…to discover What it says…What it means…and What it means to you!
Kendra Graham NOTES from Nehemiah 4:10
WHAT DOES IT SAY? THE FACTS ONLY PLEASE.
In this step you need to list the outstanding facts of the passage. DON’T get caught up in the details, just list the facts. Do not paraphrase. Use the actual words of the passage. This is God’s Word, a lot of times this step seems tedious to some, but I urge you, as we read, and say and write God’s Word, it begins to sink deep into our hearts. If you just pick one fact out of the verse, write it down and meditate on it.
Verse 10a: In Judah it was said, “The strength of the burden bearers is failing.
Verse 10b: Yet there is much rubbish.
Verse 10c: We ourselves are unable to rebuild the wall.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN? THE LESSONS.
Look for a lesson to learn from each fact. What are the people doing that they should be doing? What are the people doing that they shouldn’t be doing?
Is there a command to follow? A promise to claim? A warning to heed? An example to follow?
10a: God’s people are being challenged from the inside here. The people are exhausted. Haven’t we all been there? I am there right now. Just when you think you are making real headway, and your excitement is high and energy is focused, in one second it can all be gone. From the highest point in chapter 4:6, when everyone was on board and cruising with passion and anticipation, to just four verses down the page when we hit total discouragement. The halfway point is a dangerous place… an easy place to stop. It is not how you start, but how you finish. It’s exciting to start a bold new adventure; it is difficult to persevere when overwhelmed to the point of utter discouragement. Press on. “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial, because having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the LORD has promised to those who love Him.”-I Peter 5:4 “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for what God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Phil 3:14. PRESS ON in the face of discouragement in the strength of the LORD. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” – Phil 4:13
10b: There is so much to do…. it seems like the little bit I can contribute is not even worth it. It is easy to feel insignificant in the face of so much work. You have a million reasons to quit and one reason to continue…. you have been called by God to keep on keeping on. God does not call us to tasks to finish halfway. Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait on the LORD will renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, we will run and not grow weary and walk and not faint. I love that verse. But those who wait on the LORD. A decision to go to the LORD and rest in His Word and His promises needs to be made.
10c: God calls us to things that only He can do. There is always a gap when God calls His people between what they can do and what He must do…. this gap involves faith and obedience. We were designed to need God. God calls us to places where faith is a necessity for completion. It never seems to be easy.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO ME NOW? APPLY IT…. TODAY.
Take the lessons you learned and put them into the form of a personal question that you would ask your spouse, or a friend or your son or daughter.
As you write the questions, listen for God to communicate to you through His Word.
*Do not rush. Do not write things down just to have something on paper, this step takes more time that you may think. This is where Scripture meditation becomes real, this is where you begin to hear that still small voice speak to you, and place His finger in your life and begin to direct your paths…. this day, and the next, and the next. Do you trust Him enough to put into place that which He is moving you to?
10a: Will I persevere with what God has called me to do?
10b: How easy is it for me to sink into the hole of insignificance and believe the lie that what I am doing doesn’t matter and won’t make a difference? How many reasons can I find to quit? What is the one reason I have to continue? What promises do I need to claim?
10c: Did I think it was a design flaw that I couldn’t do it myself? Why is dependence on God such a hard thing to do? Where has God called me to faith and obedience in my life today?
LIVE IT OUT!
Show me where you have called me today and strengthen me to do work in the power of Your might. Open my eyes today to see Your mighty hand in my life, whether it is clearing rubbish at the work site, cleaning hands and feet of wee ones in my home, or working in a place where I feel invisible day in and day out. Give me that tenacity and perseverance today for You.
Homework: Nehemiah 4:11-12
Get stuck? www.annegrahamlotz.com and Anne will walk through the Three Questions with you and help you along!