The Life Of A Worship LeaderSample

10,000 Times/Not Reasons

How often have you wondered why it takes so long and so many times for something to work? It could be something you’re trying to fix, repair, or improve. Whatever it is, there is always some opposition and temptation to quit.

However, when we place our heart in His hands (Proverbs 21:1) and after He weighs our hearts (Proverbs 21:2), the Lord does what is right with our plans (Proverbs 21:5) for His purposes.

When you are overwhelmed, it’s easy and also human to throw in the towel and give up. Nehemiah was tempted in this area while rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. In Nehemiah 4, the enemies of the Jews were in opposition to rebuilding the wall, even more so because they previously destroyed it.

The enemies viciously attacked the Jews and tried to divide their nation by the sword, by politics, and by insulting their God. The number of the Jews were pressed on every side. Each warrior was accompanied by his entire family to help. Unfinished and vulnerable parts of the wall were laid before the enemy for easy pickings.

In a time of war, Nehemiah did something that was familiar with King David. In looking at his situation, He pointed to God. The Bible says in Nehemiah 4:14, “After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.”

It says that he “looked.” He looked to God. It is clear that Nehemiah put his cause under God’s divine protection.

Earlier in verse 9, Nehemiah and the Jews “prayed to God” as they continued to meet the threat. That was the way of Nehemiah. He set the example to follow. All his cares, all his griefs, all his fears, he spread before God.

Like David, in another example: “In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” – Psalm 5:3 The Father longs to hear the prayers of his children.

To continue the battle, Nehemiah chose the power of prayer that is found in the Lord. Having prayed, he also set a watch. This is a reminder of how Jesus encouraged us to “watch and pray” as we look to the Lord’s coming. (Mark 14:38)

The second thing Nehemiah did was to give a historical reminder to the people of God’s provision, protection, and His “great and awesome” ways. Had Nehemiah trusted in himself, the people would have had every reason to fear.

He based his response on God: who He was, what He had done, and what He would do by faith. Nehemiah did not base his response on the fear of man nor the fear of the moment. Trust of God is the best antidote against the ensnaring fear of man.

“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.” – Proverbs 29:25

Like Nehemiah, Thomas Edison faced endless oppositions in the creation of his inventions. In fact, it only took him 10,000 times to invent a single working light bulb. Edison once said, “If I find 10,000 ways something won’t work, I haven’t failed. I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward.”

Here’s how we can dwell in faith and trust as we step forward in belief: “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” – Psalm 91:1 “Uphold me, and I will be delivered; I will always have regard for your decrees.” – Psalm 119:117 “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” – 2 Corinthians 4:18 “For we live by faith, not by sight.” – 2 Corinthians 5:7

Reflection: How has God equipped you to have a Nehemiah faith? The Lord is not as interested in the 10,000 times we try as He is the 10,000 reasons for us to trust Him. How can the Holy Spirit transform your faith to worship? How different would your perspective be in daily life?