Sliced, Diced and Mashed/No Turning Back

No Turning Back

And conspired all of them together to come and to fight against Jerusalem, and to hinder it.  Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them.  And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall.

                                                                                      …Nehemiah 4:8-10

            Brazil was a most interesting place to live, especially in the state of Minas Gerais.  Outside my window I often looked over to the side of the mountain, watching this little creature the size of a Hummingbird.  The tiny Tiziu made me stand in awe as God used it to teach me another lesson in my life.

            Every day the Tiziu found its way to the fence post and in a perfect rhythmic form of jump and chirp, jump and chirp sang a high pitched sound never missing a beat. Hour after hour, day after day performing what to us would seem to be monotonous for sure.  I say performing, because if it is what God designed him to do, no matter what it is, he is performing for the Glory of God.  We may be feeling small and so insignificant, maybe that our duties are so monotonous. But if it is done unto the Lord it is considered great!  It takes commitment to keep going in the spot where God put us.  Does your spot feel the size of a fence post?

            I have had trouble myself, trying to stay focused, and not give up when discouragement rises its’ ugly head.  And there is always the cold water committee, to dampen our spirits. The chirping of the Tiziu, I understood as a joyful sound unto his creator. Are we rejoicing? Or are we somewhat like the guilty in our verses today? The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall. The team effort was dwindling and the strength of those building and clearing the rubbish were disheartened and ready to give up, tired and exhausted. Hindrance came from every direction; from within, without, from enemies round about.  But verse 9 reads, Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night because of them. The word “them,” portrays the enemy, the discourager, or the one hindering the work of God.

            Go ahead! Keep faithful like the Tiziu in his place, even if it is just clearing away rubbish like in the times of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Do all in the Name of our Lord and Savior.  The platform may be just a fence post, but all the same, God is receiving the Glory if the heart is in tune with Him. If you are begging for a bigger fence post, be careful, pride cometh before the fall.

              Like Nehemiah was saying, don’t give up now the walls are just about up!  Child of God, Don’t give up! Be faithful and committed, His return is near.