Hold Fast in Hard Times — Pray As You Go (Day 22)
I have a friend who is a hero. For over two decades he served as a fire fighter. Daily, he was on call to fight fires and help others to safety. In order to do that, he had to study up on fire fighting techniques, and he stayed in shape. He also wore a protective suit and worked with a group of men who supported one another like brothers.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about what I can learn from my fire fighting friend. I don’t know about you, but I’ve faced some fiery trials recently.
Let’s face it, we are in a war. Opposition is a part of life. Daily, we need to arm ourselves as we wade out into the trenches. We must prepare for battle just as a fire fighter is ready to face the inferno.
Heroes who are willing to face the flame are few and far better these days. But, in the Old Testament, I found one man who faced opposition and fiery trials with great wisdom. Nehemiah was a great leader who stood tall despite overwhelming obstacles and opposition.
I think the key to Nehemiah’s success was that he was a man who feared God. His heart was broken over sin, and he moved with passion and purpose to right a wrong.
Nehemiah understood that without God’s strength, he could do nothing. He was fully surrendered to God’s leading. He prayed through every course of action, and he surrendered every conflict to God as his Defender.
Nehemiah moved forward through the flames with confidence because He believed that God’s promises hold true in the midst of impossible situations.
Let’s purpose to pray through the fiery trial and go down fighting on our knees.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
Isaiah 43:2, NIV
Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome,
and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.
Nehemiah 4:14, NIV
I’m joining The Nester and friends for #write31days and sharing “Pray As You Go” with like-minded sisters at Coffee for Your Heart, Tell His Story, Spiritual Sundays, Recommendation Saturday, Faith-Filled Friday, Essential Fridays, and Thriving Thursday.
To see all of the posts in this series, head on over here.
Lyli, I LOVED reading the verse you shared from Nehemiah. We so easily forget we must fight for our families, our sons, our daughters and our homes. OK, this one needs to be on an index card where I can see it – DAILY! Great reminder & I am so glad you shared it today!
Loved this post. We all need to be like your friend and Nehemiah. It is important to fight for those we love and care for us. God reminds me daily to walk with those I love. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Yes! It’s a constant battle day by day, not just a “every once in a while I’ll fight it.” I see so many people lately who let is go by the wayside and then wonder why their lives are in turmoil, their relationships/families, are in turmoil when they haven’t fought for it.
Praying as I go, and standing firm to watch as God fights the battles for us!
This is excellent. Thank you for these encouraging words. I needed to hear them! I love that verse “Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.” Nehemiah 4:14, NIV
That verse is one of my favorites in Jonah. I also love later in the same chapter where it says they kept working with one hand & had a weapon in the other to stay on watch.