Nehemiah 2:17-18 Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work.
The barriers that keep us from change are many. One is the circumstances that seem insurmountable. Sometimes we allow our circumstances to dictate our feelings, words and actions. Rather than let God lift us above our circumstances, we allow ourselves to live under the weight of other people, other people’s problems.
Another barrier to change is the comfort that we rest in. To act would disrupt the ease and routine of life. Like building a picnic table, construction requires materials and requires effort. Some people don’t have the interest, motivation or ability to change. No pain, no gain. Paul says “If you don’t work, you don’t eat.”
Lastly, change can bring conflict. Others may not like what we are doing. Friendships could be lost. Some might become aggressive and antagonistic towards us. They will all, in their way, fight against the change.
Act on what God has placed in your heart. Prevent the size of the problem from being the force behind your life. Discouragement is created when we fail to express our thoughts, preferences, feelings and emotions. Trust always in God’s power, not your own strength.
Whenever God gives us an opportunity, there will always arise some opposition. Most people fear human authority and rulers more than they fear God. Respond to opposition with a quick and confident reply. Let God then work out the details. You follow the vision he has given.
