2015 has arrived with a bang! Many of you have started off the year with new resolutions or goals for 2015. I, myself, adopted a new holistic model for my life. One of these changes was making sure that I am reading the word daily. As I began the year, the Lord brought me to the book of Nehemiah. For those who may not have read the book of Nehemiah, it is centered on the return of the Jews from Babylonian captivity and the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem. What was most intriguing about this account is I could tell God was with Nehemiah because even those he thought would not support him did. When Nehemiah arrived to build the wall of Jerusalem, there were those who doubted him and his ability to rebuild the wall. They laughed at him in the beginning, but when the realized that he could be successful, they began to plot against him. What intrigued me about Nehemiah was his attitude towards opposition. When Nehemiah heard about the plan to attack him and others rebuilding the wall, he didn’t stop or even dwell on the possibilities of those trying to destroy what he was doing. Nehemiah and the others just suited up and took shifts watching for intruders. One hand was used to build while the other, held a weapon. Nehemiah did not stop to tweet, or post a message on instagram he kept building. He knew that by rebuilding the wall, he had already won battle so there was no need to entertain his enemies.

Nehemiah displayed an unwavering focus. Would it be great if we all had the focus of Nehemiah? What would happen if we had an awareness of the naysayers but we didn’t allow them to stop us from rebuilding? How powerful would the kingdom of Christ be if we kept building in spite of the naysayers and our enemies? Sisters, we come upon all different types of people and spirits on a day-to-day basis and some are discouraging and will even make you question your goal. However, what God has started in you will be completed so keep building. When you are discouraged and want to quit, keep building. When the money is looking funny, keep building. God will not lead you to a place to leave you alone. I pray that wherever you are in your walk with Christ and fulfilling your purpose, never stop building.

One brick at time,

Felicia Smith