Beyond the Weekend

May 4 | Fatigue

May 4, 2016

Nehemiah 4.6-10

Rebuilding can and will be exhausting. Whether you’re starting, are in the middle of, or finishing, you’ll face periods of fatigue. Nehemiah and the people have the wall halfway complete. They’re giving it everything they have and are making tangible progress, but probably feel like it’s taking forever.

Then the people receive some bad news. There are plans afoot to attack the city. These rumors exacerbate the fatigue of the people. They cry out, “There is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall” (v. 10).

Of course, the rubble didn’t just magically multiply. The rubble is the same as when they started; but now their fatigue turns the rubble into an insurmountable mountain. Suffering from midway fatigue, they’re having a hard time seeing the finish line. They need to persevere. Perseverance is the character trait that continues to move forward when you really feel like giving up.

When you’re rebuilding, it’s important to identify where you are in the rebuilding process, because you’ll grow weary and lose perspective. Two verses help in these moments: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest . . .” (Galatians 6.9) and “Consider him [Jesus] who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12.3).

In these verses, we see two reasons for pushing through the fatigue. First, we know doing the right thing will ultimately end in a reward, whether in this life or the next. Second, we have the example of Christ as inspiration for persevering. Rebuilding can be exhausting and often we may feel like giving up.

Today, in the middle of your fatigue, watch and listen to “Take Heart” by Hillsong United and do not let today be the day you give up.

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