The 
Phases of Faith
Faith is the only way to grow in our relationship with God.
Wednesday, May 12, 2004
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My Prayer Today
Dear God, I thank you for what I am going through right now. I don't understand just what is going on, nor do I understand how your working. I do know that you are in control and that you are perfecting within me what you have placed inside of me. I trust that your promises are true and I know that they will be fulfilled in due time. I ask that you would help me to look beyond what I can see in my circumstances, and see with what you are placing within my spirit. I ask that your joy would be made complete in me today. In Jesus name I pray. . . Amen.
God's Word For Me Today
Nehemiah 4:10-12
Then the people of Judah began to complain that the workers were becoming tired. There was so much rubble to be moved that we could never get it done by ourselves. Meanwhile, our enemies were saying, "Before they know what's happening, we will swoop down on them and kill them and end their work." The Jews who lived near the enemy came and told us again and again, "They will come from all directions and attack us!"
Reflecting on God's Word
According to this passage, what were the people of Judah complaining about?
What were their enemies saying?
In one word, describe the circumstances that the people of Judah were experiencing.
A Deeper Exploration of God's Word
Read Psalm 9:9 -- what does this verse reveal about who God is?
What is the purpose of a "shelter?" How is God a "shelter / refuge" for us?
Understanding God's Purpose
Is God moved most by our circumstances or by our faith? Why?
When trouble comes, what does God want us to do? (Be as specific as possible)
Is God concerned about our comfort level? Is this his first priority for us? Why or why not?
Applying God's Word to Our Lives
Describe the circumstances that you are facing right now in one word.
What is one situation / circumstance in your life that is not favorable?
What is one thing you can do today as an act of faith and trust in the Lord regarding that circumstance?
Thoughts...
Life is full of difficult circumstances. When we hear news that the car is totaled, that we just were fired, that there will not be enough money to pay off the credit card, or that they just found cancer in your body, life seems to begin to spin out of control. We as humans (especially in America) like to buy into to the myth that we are in "control" of our circumstances, but the truth is just the opposite. There are some things that we have absolutely no control over. Only God is in absolute control of our lives. It is only when our circumstances seem to be at a dead end do we come face to face with this deep reality. God allows certain circumstances to come our way because he desires that we grow in the life of faith. It is not that God desires to see us suffer, but he does desire that we trust him -- even when there is trouble.
In the book of Nehemiah, the people of Israel were quite familiar with rough circumstances. When the people began rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, as the Lord had put within their hearts, they faced critics and rough circumstances. It says in 4:10-12 that the people began to complain because "there was so much rubble to be moved" and that their enemies "will come from all directions and attack." The people of Israel focused upon what they could see, hear, and experience. Any time we focus simply on what we see around us in our circumstances we will quite often become discouraged. God is bigger than how we feel! He has promised to be a "refuge" and a "shelter" in times of trouble (Ps. 9:9). If you are going through difficult circumstances right now in your life, the best way to get out of them is to go through them. It is encouraging to know that the wall was completed in Jerusalem, and Nehemiah's critics were silenced. God will come through for you just as he did for the Israelites in the days of Nehemiah. Don't allow your circumstances to derail what God has placed within you!