"So we rebuilt the wall around Jerusalem until it had reached half its original height, because the peopleworked at it with all their heart. But then the other tribes in our area heard about our progress and how Jerusalem's walls were being repaired and all the gaps were being closed. They became very angry and they all plotted together to attack Jerusalem and create some confusion to stop the progress. So we prayed to God for protection and posted 24 hour guards. But about that time, the people of Jerusalem began to complain. They said 'We're tired and worn out. We can't keep up this pace! Besides that there is so much rubble and trash to be removed. We now realize that we cannot finish this wall. Meanwhile our enemies are threatening to kill us in order to stop this work! Then, those of us who lived closest to our enemies kept reporting over and over – ten times – that our enemies kept saying "It doesn't matter where you go, we'll attack you!" Nehemiah 4:6-12
4 SETBACKS THAT CAN CAUSE DISCOURAGEMENT
1. WHEN SOMETHING TAKES LONGER THAN EXPECTED
This causes FATIGUE
"They said 'We're tired and worn out. We can't keep up this pace!" Nehemiah 4:10a
"Never forget how the Amalekites . . . attacked you when you were exhausted and weary, and they struck down those who began to lag behind . . ."
Deut. 25:18 (NLT)
2. WHEN SOMETHING IS MORE COMPLICATED THAN EXPECTED
This causes FRUSTRATION
"Besides that, there is so much rubble and trash to be removed!" Nehemiah 4:10b
"Come, Lord, and show me your mercy, for I feel helpless, overwhelmed, and in deep distress." Psalm 25:16 (LB)
3. WHEN I START TO DOUBT MY OWN ABILITY
This causes a sense of FAILURE
"The people said, 'We now realize that we cannot finish this wall.'" "We will NEVER be able to finish it." Nehemiah 4:10c
4. WHEN THE OPPOSITION GROWS STRONGER
This causes FEAR
"Meanwhile our enemies are threatening to kill us in order to stop this work" Nehemiah 4:11
"Then, those of us who lived closest to our enemies kept reporting over and over – ten times – that our enemies kept saying "It doesn't matter where you go, we'll attack you!" Nehemiah 4:12
WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN I FEEL LIKE GIVING UP?
Do the 3 things Nehemiah did
1. REORGANIZE WHATEVER IS NOT WORKING
"So I stationed armed guards at the most vulnerableplaces of the wall and assigned people by families with their swords, lances, and bows." Nehemiah 4:13 (Mes)
"Some people have gotten out of the habit of meeting with other believers, but we must not do that. Instead, we should keep on encouraging each other . . ." Hebrews 4:25
Action Plan: Pray this week about the things in your life that don't seem to be working. Ask God for clarity on your goals, making sure your goals align with his will, and ask for guidance in making them fruitful, meaningful and sustaining.
2. REFOCUS ON GOD
"Then as I looked over the situation, I called together the leaders and the people and said to them, "Don't be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious." Nehemiah 4:14a (NLT)
(Jonah) "When I had lost all hope I turned my thoughts once again to the Lord." Jonah 2:7 (LB)
(David) "I'm completely discouraged. Revive me by your Word!" Psalm 119:25 (LB)
Action Plan: Start a new season of refocusing on God by joining an on-campus study. For Lake Forest studies, click here. For all other campuses, visit your campus website for more information.
3. RESIST THE DISCOURAGEMENT
(Then I told them) ". . . Fight for your brothers, and your sons and your daughters, and wives and homes!" Nehemiah 4:14b (NIV)
Action Plan: Memorize James 4:7 "So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." – NLT
Doable Discipleship: This week's episode of Doable Discipleship looks at some of the different authors of books of the Bible. New episodes release every Tuesday. To watch or listen,click here.
Talk It Over: Have you ever discussed the weekend message in your small group? Talk It Over provides weekly small group discussion questions as a way to bring the weekend message into your small group. To view this week's Talk It Over,click here.
