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Wednesday March 16, 2016

 

Because Noah was willing to sacrifice his life and reputation, he was able to build the ark that God used to save him and his family. David had to risk his life while confronting the giant in order to experience God’s power manifested through him. If the disciples had not risked their lives for the Gospel, we would never enjoy the benefits of salvation. All the heroes in the Bible discovered what some of you may discover too; that to execute God’s plan will always require risks and sacrifices.

 

When Nehemiah presented himself to the people in Jerusalem, it was after he defined the problem, offered the solution, gave them an incentive, and testified about how God lead him from cupbearer to the King of Persia to becoming the leader of this rebuilding project, that the people said “let us start rebuilding”’ and immediately the work began. However, as soon as they went to work, the distracters, critics, and those who did not want this project to happen mocked and ridiculed them.

 

Nehemiah 2:19-20

But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official and Geshem the Arab heard about it, they mocked and ridiculed us. “What is this you are doing?” they asked. “Are you rebelling against the king?” I answered them by saying, “The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding, but as for you, you have no share in Jerusalem or any claim or historic right to it.”

 

There comes a time in the life of every person who chooses to fulfill God’s divine purpose when risks and sacrifices become necessary. We cannot escape them. It is at this point that you know you are truly committed. It is at this point when something happens in your heart and you know there is no turning back. Moreover, it is at this point when you realize that your only hope to see your vision come to fruition is if God gives you success. Ask Noah, Abraham, David, Nehemiah, the disciples, and all the other heroes of the Bible. They will all tell you that God indeed honors those who are willing to take the necessary risks and sacrifices in order to fulfill His divine plan. This is precisely when and where God does His greatest work!