Embrace the Race: Persevering Through Challenging TimesSample

Strengthen my hands

Nehemiah faced many obstacles that could have derailed the progress they were making on the walls. He had issues coming from within and issues coming at him externally. Nehemiah had to learn as a leader how to deal with confrontation. One of my favorite movie lines is from Toy Story when Rex the dinosaur declares, "I don't like confrontations." That line always has stuck out to me because I often feel the same way about being forced to deal with sticky situations. 

Most of us don't like confrontation or conflict, but it is often an area we need to learn to embrace. Surprisingly some of the most significant opposition Nehemiah faced came from those closest to him. Those who surround us often can either be a great help or a deterrent to fulfilling God's plan for our lives. Nehemiah made the bold choice to speak up and speak into the lives of those around him. To embrace the race God has for us involves moving past our comfort zone and speaking into the very issues that try to derail us. 

Daily Challenge

Take a few minutes to examine your heart. Ask the Lord to open your eyes to any area you may have developed a blind spot and to reveal to you any places that might be holding you back in your race.