Put Your Mind to It

Today’s Verse:

So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work. ~Nehemiah 4:6

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Determination is the sheer drive, tenacity, and willpower to accomplish a deed or task. It is when a person says, “I will get it done.” Determination is when you put your mind to it and get it done. This morning, let us see how determination is a key factor in getting great things done.

We see the conviction.

In spite of being criticized and getting much pushback, Nehemiah and his comrades had a conviction that the wall of Jerusalem had to be built. Conviction is the unwavering faith and belief in something so strongly that you will lay down your life to see your goal accomplished. It is Daniel purposing in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s meat. It is the signers of the Declaration of Independence putting their lives on the line for their freedom from tyranny and oppressive rule. Nehemiah was determined because of his convictions.

We see the camaraderie.

“So built we the wall.” Camaraderie is when “we” is more important than “me.” It is the unified joining-together of two or more parties for a desired project or mission to be accomplished. Strong convictions are infectious. When the people saw Nehemiah standing strong against the attacks of the enemy, they stood with him. A church that has strong convictions about preaching the gospel, winning souls, being dogmatic in doctrine, and being separated in standards is always a church that will have unified camaraderie.

We see the concentration.

“The people had a mind to work.” After a fervent time of prayer, the people put their mind on working. They were undistracted in their attention. They had a mind to work. They positioned men and families throughout the entire length of the wall. They gave each man the construction material needed for his section of work. They were in agreement that each would put in the same amount of time and effort in doing their work. As long as they concentrated on the task, progress was made. When we have a mind to work, we leave zero margin and tolerance for laziness, excuses, and lack of pulling our weight. Determination is focusing everything on accomplishment.

We see the completion.

“All the wall was joined together unto the half thereof.” They were half-way done in a short period of time! Great progress was made. The people were jolted with a greater desire to finish the remaining half. These Jews show us how determination fueled the drive and desire for getting the wall built. The determination in the first phase of building increased their resilience for the remaining portion. They were determined that nothing would stop them. They increased their efforts, worked around the clock, and carefully watched each other’s backs.

Determination is putting your mind to something and going all the way. This morning, be a determined Christian. Determine to be diligent in prayer. Determine to be a strong witness for Christ. Determine to do the will of God. Determine to finish what you start.

Have a determined God Morning!

Bible Reading Schedule: Amos 6-9

#Determination #Nehemiah #Will