Gestation: Joy on the Journey

Joy on the Journey

Neh 6:15-19; 8:10

Life is a journey. We all have tales of adventures, joys and challenges we have had on journeys.  Anything we do for God is like a journey that starts somewhere and goes through a phase of travel before reaching it's destination. During travel phase faith and determination is tested sometimes almost to breaking point. Those who are courageous and determined to stay the course will arrive. Nehemiah started a journey of faith to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and reached his destination of a finished task in 52 days. Your 52 days can be longer or shorter than his but you need to master his secret of how to maintain joy on the journey. Ability to maintain joy on the journey will determine whether we finish or not. Let's learn from some of the words of Nehemiah:

I wept, fasted and prayed 1:4

Nehemiah's journey began with prayer and was carried out by/in prayer. Nehemiah had a deep  concern for the broken walls of Jerusalem and the reproach it brought to Gods people. Every joyful journey of faith comes from a desire to see Gods will accomplished. It comes from being moved by the things that move God. He accepted the call to be involved in Gods work. To enjoy your journey  of faith do everything by him and for his glory.

 The good hand of my God was upon me 2:7,8

Gods hand was on Nehemiah to cause him to find favour and succeed.  He asked the king to send him. He did not want to go on a journey without the kings covering and provision. We also have a king over us, Jesus the king of kings. Have you sought his blessing over the journeys of your life? Nehemiah got letters of authority and access. The king granted him letters of passage, resources and escort. To enjoy your journey you need to activate Gods word, resouces and presence. 

Let us rise up and build 2:18

When Nehemiah got to Jerusalem he studied the situation. Without information you can not manage. He used the information to mobilize others for the work. The journey of faith is an impossible one to complete without the synergy of working with others. To enjoy your journey you need others. You need people to encourage you, help you, inspire you, correct you, pray for you and work with you. Gods work in your life is bigger than yourself.

The God of heaven will prosper us  2:20

Some were not happy, others were sceptical and Sanballat and Tobiah opposed the work. Nehemiah despite having the king's authority, resources, and courage, put no confidence in them. He instead, let people know that what Sanbalat knew about their weakness before a daunting task he also knew. However he knew more than that. He knew that nothing was impossible with him. You will have joy on your journey if you focus and trust the God of heaven.

The people had a mind to work  4:6

the more progress they made the more vicious and subtle the opposition became. Sanballat and Tobiah started with sadness that someone showed care about the welfare of the people of God. Later they despised the humble beginnings by laughing at it and scorning. But the people remained focused on the work. Later Sanballat and Tobias invited Nehemiah to a meeting in the plain of Ono. They replied that the work was so important they could not stop for a meeting. In your journey you will not have joy if you are easily detracted and sidetracked. It is time to leave the plain of Ono. Later the threats got worse to the point they could be killed. Still the people had a mind to patiently do the work. They worked with a defense weapon on one hand and a building tool on the other. As in the song, you have  a race to run and a victory to win. They knew what success meant. They prayed. The dedication of the people made the difference. Families rebuilt their portions of the wall.

 God will fight for us 4:20

At one time on the journey the people were tired and discourged.  Also the journey went through a patch of dissension and disharmony among the people(5:1f). But Nehemiah prayed for strength (6:9). May God grant Faith Ministries in South Africa strength where we are weak - in prayer, soul winning, resources, etc.  When you say yes Lord you are getting into an arena (Heb 12). You are on the spotlight where some are cheering and others are booing you down. A new church plant comes with difficulties and joys, problems and privileges, benefits and challenges. However they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength and mount up like eagles (Isaiah 40:31). The joy of the Lord is my strength (8:10). Journeys especially long ones require patience and endurance. like in long haul air flights, create your own AVoD - audio visual on demand system. SOL - sing out loud, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

Ground and First Floors Sunset Bay Building,

204B Bram Fischer drive,

Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa