When the going gets tough...
Remember me with with favor, my God, for all I have done for these people (Neh 5:19)
Nehemiah was an amazing example we can follow. He could have remained in Babylon serving the king in comfort as the cupbearer (an exalted and trusted position). Yet, we read in the book of Nehemiah, how he was obedient to God's calling which resulted in a life of hardship as he sought to rebuild Jerusalem. Sometimes as I read through this book and I see the opposition Nehemiah had to face from within and without, it is a wonder he didn't just give up and go back to his guaranteed life of comfort. Moreover, Nehemiah chose to relinquish his rights as a governor to hoard comforts but in fact we see how generous he was (Neh 5:1ff).
Similarly, I am encouraged to see some of you following this path. It would be easy to choose the life of accumulation of wealth and comforts and yet, God has called us out to follow the narrow path. There is a greater purpose for which we have been borne and few will be obedient to this. It is a life of sacrifice and hardship, all for the sake of obedience. Not because God is some sadist that torments his people but rather He is one who strips us of the coils that entangle us in this world, to prepare us for a better world to come. We see this cry in Nehemiah in today's verse.
I am reminded of a story someone told me many years ago. A missionary and an ambassador were coming home from their years of service in Africa. Both were on a ship travelling back home. Both were highly distinguished in their service for their country with many sacrifices and hardship. As they approached the harbour of the city, they both started talking about how relieved and happy they were to be finally coming home. As they approached the dock, there was music in the air and the chatter of a huge crowd. Indeed, as they approached closer, there were thousands of people lining the dock with banners, balloons and even a full brass band. Both these men perked up when this scene unfolded before their eyes and they wondered who was all this for? As they began to disembark, the ambassador was promptly pulled away by a group of distinguished gentlemen and ushered onto a makeshift stage where the mayor of the city waited to congratulate and welcome him home, to the mighty cheers of the people. The missionary, however, was left alone. When the crowds finally died away he stood on the dock crying with no one to receive him. He looked up to the heavens and cried out... "God, I have spent 50 years of my life in hardship for you in Africa... and yet there is not even a welcome for me when I come home... WHY??" ... in a small still voice, God answered, "My dearest and most precious son, you are not home yet.... "
My friends, imagine the party God will throw for us when we finally go home. So don't be discouraged as we spend this life in obedience to Him. It may seem we are "losing out" because we are not basking in the trappings of this world... but the opposite is true. We are gaining for ourselves great treasures in heaven. Let's keep running this race that is set before us with perseverance and joy.
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