Message by Dr. David Drake
Stay The Course
Nehemiah 4:17-23 (NASB) 17 Those who were rebuilding the wall and those who carried burdens took their load with one hand doing the work and the other holding a weapon. 18 As for the builders, each wore his sword girded at his side as he built, while the trumpeter stood near me. 19 I said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, “The work is great and extensive, and we are separated on the wall far from one another. 20 “At whatever place you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.” 21 So we carried on the work with half of them holding spears from dawn until the stars appeared. 22 At that time I also said to the people, “Let each man with his servant spend the night within Jerusalem so that they may be a guard for us by night and a laborer by day.” 23 So neither I, my brothers, my servants, nor the men of the guard who followed me, none of us removed our clothes, each took his weapon even to the water.
1. Endurance
Nehemiah 4:17 (NASB) 17 Those who were rebuilding the wall and those who carried burdens took their load with one hand doing the work and the other holding a weapon.
James 1:2 (NASB)
2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
1 Peter 1:6 (NASB)
6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials,
1 Peter 2:20 (NASB)
20 For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God.
1 Peter 4:16 (NASB)
16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.
James 1:3-4 (NASB)
3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
1 Corinthians 15:58 (NASB)
58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.
2. Time
Nehemiah 4:21 (NASB) 21 So we carried on the work with half of them holding spears from dawn until the stars appeared.
Jeremiah 18:1-3 (NASB)
1 The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD saying,
2 “Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will announce My words to you.”
3 Then I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was, making something on the wheel.
Jeremiah 18:4 (NASB)
4 But the vessel that he was making of clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he remade it into another vessel, as it pleased the potter to make.
Psalm 90:12 (NASB)
12 So teach us to number our days, That we may present to You a heart of wisdom.
3. Sacrifice
Nehemiah 4:22-23 (NASB)
22 At that time I also said to the people, “Let each man with his servant spend the night within Jerusalem so that they may be a guard for us by night and a laborer by day.” 23 So neither I, my brothers, my servants, nor the men of the guard who followed me, none of us removed our clothes, each took his weapon even to the water.
2 Timothy 4:6 (NASB)
6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.
Galatians 2:20 (NASB)
20 “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NASB)
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;
8 in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.