Grit (1/30/23)

Read: Nehemiah 2:11-20 (AMP)

Biblical Lesson…

In this passage, Nehemiah steps up into his appointment and anointing to pursue what God has placed on his heart to do for Jerusalem. In wisdom, he keeps his schedule, assessment and goal secret until the time is ripe for him to disclose it.  Thus, Nehemiah goes out at night with a few men to assess what needs to be done for Jerusalem to rebuild it and help it prosper.  He then meets with "the Jews, the priests, the nobles, the officials, [and] the rest." He gives his testimony of what God has placed on his heart and encourages everyone to come together to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. People agreed with Nehemiah. Opposition to his plans begins to arise from Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official and Geshem the Arab who mock the plans to rebuild. Nehemiah rebukes them.

Image by PixxlTeufel from Pixabay 

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According to Miriam-Webster's dictionary, grit is defined as "firmness of mind or spirit : unyielding courage in the face of hardship or danger." I believe that the Lord gave Nehemiah the grit to make assessments at night, propose his plans to the people, and deal with the opposition.  This grit can be seen throughout the New Testament through Jesus' actions when he spoke to those in his hometown and they went after him (Luke 4:22-30) or his path to the crucifixion; Stephen's defense and death (Acts 7), and Paul's rebuke of Peter (Galatians 2:11-14).

Today's Version…

Do you see grit exercised today? In what way? Has the Lord given you grit to persist in the face of opposition for what is right? We all face hardship or danger in our life in some way or form. The choice is to either give way to pressure or stand firm in the face of hardship and danger for what is right and just. 

What to do…

Which are you choosing to do? To exercise grit or not? For myself, I choose the Almighty in His Triune form (Father, Jesus and Holy Spirit)  to guide my way and strengthen me to have the "grit" to accomplish what the Lord has set before me on my path. Some practices that may develop grit include: 

1. Spend time in Christian meditation to connect with God and ask for revelation, and 

2. Prayers for guidance on what the Lord wants you to apply grit to and do as He says.