Fight for It: A 21-Day DevotionalSample

Today’s Devotional:

Have you ever felt stuck in life? You know something needs to change, perhaps a lot of things, but you feel unmotivated to even take the first step? Perhaps you’re tired of how your clothes fit, but end up eating whatever is quick and easy. A relationship needs to be mended, but avoidance becomes the norm. Or maybe you’d like a vibrant relationship with God, but you find yourself stuck, going through the motions. Moments of apathy lead to seasons where we are held back, stuck, and in need of something new.

In today’s reading, we see Nehemiah responding to a situation in which he was very much stuck. Change was particularly challenging in this situation because the people had already tried to fix the problem but failed. Their previous attempt at change left the people without hope. Ezra 4:23 documents a previous failed attempt to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, and here in Nehemiah 1:3, it notes a feeling of disgrace among the Jewish people. Trying and failing can be a scary recipe for inaction. Shame holds us back, reminding us that we have attempted to make positive changes, only to end up in our old ways.

Read in verses 8-9 how Nehemiah reminds the people of the previous vision in the words of Moses. The previous vision had been forgotten, lost over time in the pressures of daily life and dealing with the urgency of the present crisis. So pause today and ask: What do you need vision for? What do you really want to change in your life, and why do you want to see that change realized?

To achieve your vision, take note of the power of community in verse 11. Nehemiah asks that God’s ear would be attentive to the “prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name.” The testimony of other believers might just paint a picture for you of what is possible with God’s help. Share your vision with others and listen to those who are in a different life stage from you. The strength of community can refine your vision and give you the steps to realize it.

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Today’s devotional was written by Pastor Daniel Roach

Questions:

• As you begin this study, what are you hoping to gain during this time?
• What is standing in the way of you reaching this vision?
• Who can speak into your vision and help you along the way?

A Prayer to ‘Look Up’: Father, please give me a fresh vision. Bring the right people around me that can help me stay focused and realize this new vision for my life. I look up to you to bring clarity, direction, and guidance. In Jesus’ name, amen.