Don’t Be Afraid… Remember the Lord!

Nehemiah 4:6-23

But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Matthew 14:27

1. Problems come from many directions in our lives.

• The people struggled because of the rubble of the past. 4:10
• The people struggled because they had enemies on the outside. 4:11
• The people struggled because they had confusion from within. 4:12 Their friends added to their weariness as they spoke the propaganda of their enemies ten times over. 4:12

2. Nehemiah’s response to their very real struggle.

• Immediately Nehemiah takes his concerns to God. 4:4-5
• Although the people started out strong 4:6 the opposition began to wear on them and their strength began to give out. 4:10
• Nehemiah posted a guard day and night. 4:9
• Nehemiah gathers all the people together calling them to focus on their God and not their enemy. 4:14

3. “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord…” 4:14

• The people were not frightened into quitting.
• The people prepared for battle and were willing to pay the price.
• All the people came together to make the plan work.
• The plan was grand and could only be accomplished with God’s help.
• Nehemiah led by example. 4:23

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Php. 4:13