I recently spoke to the congregation about Nehemiah and the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem. Nehemiah was concerned because the people were living in the rubble of disgrace, and were discouraged because the task was so overwhelming. It is when we are overwhelmed that we don't know where to start first; in our disarray, we instead do nothing. That's were the Jewish remnant was living - in the state of dysfunction. I can relate to that!
Recently our house was flooded as a result of a ruptured fresh water line. The water mitigation contractor removed the ruined building material, and now we are waiting for the crews to put the place back together again. Talk about a disorganized mess! On top of that, the recent hurricane played havoc on my yard - disarray inside and out. Then, Rhonda burned two of her hair appliances by accidently placing the power cords against the tool's heated ceramic surface. Five minutes and 425 degrees later, we almost had a fire! On top of everything else, amid the noise and confusion, there is our dachshund, "Snickers" (the ferocious beast) demanding, barking, snapping, chewing and generally being a real pain. Sometimes I feel like Paul; "O wretched man that I am."
But here is the encouraging part. When I tackle one problem at a time, with an attitude of prayer and faith, I am slowly getting back to normal. Soon, the flood, fire and ferocious beast will a be a memory. (Actually the dog will remain, but you get the idea.) God is helping me, even giving me joy while the pile of rubble gradually becomes a house again, and the smell of burned hair and rubber power cords fade.
Nehemiah's people went from being overwhelmed, to being overjoyed in 52 days. I'm on about day 25; half way there!
