The Old Testament (1) Prophet (2) Nehemiah (3) is a tremendous example of encouragement. Born long after King Nebuchadnezzar II (4) and the Babylonians (5) pillaged Jerusalem (6) in 586 BC, destroying the First Temple (7) and forcing many Israelites (8) into exile (9), Nehemiah was told that much of the former jewel of the Kingdom of Judah (10) continued to linger in a state of disrepair and ruin (Nehemiah 1:1-3). Grieved by this, he asked Artaxerxes I (11) for permission to return to Jerusalem to help rebuild it.

Consent was given and Nehemiah returned to the land of his ancestors in 445 BC (Nehemiah 2:1). Although construction of the Second Temple (12) was completed in 516 BC, there was still much to do. As Nehemiah 2:10, 19 tell us, he was met with near immediate resistance from Judah's enemies. With the favor of God (13) shepherding him, Nehemiah immersed himself with the painstaking task of rebuilding the city wall around Jerusalem. He maintained his focus, even though the likes of Tobiah (14) the Ammonite (15) official, Sanballat (16) the Horonite, Geshem (17) the Arab (18) and others tried mightily to discourage him (and even kill him) from doing God's will.

Personal Reflection: Have you ever started a Ministry or any new endeavor with great hopes and enthusiasm, only to be met by naysayers and others who try to stop or discourage you? Akin to Nehemiah's struggle, some of your present day critics will be nipping at your heels in an attempt to drag you into the darkness they are mired in.

But do not allow them to distract you. Be like Nehemiah, who prayed to God for protection and encouragement as he completed rebuilding the wall in 52 days (Nehemiah 6:15)! He even served as Governor of Judah for 12 years (Nehemiah 5:14)!  Turn any dire situation over to your Defender, Jesus Christ (19), to handle as He sees fit while you stay on the narrow path to eternal life (Matthew 7:13-14)!

Ephesians 6:12 tells us "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." As the Evil One (20) works through others he has control over in an attempt to put his snares in us, we are not to waste time and effort trying to convince the wrong people. Instead, put on The Armor of God (21) and run your race toward your Crown of Glory (1 Peter 5:4). Submit yourself to God; resist the devil and he will flee from you (James 4:7)!

The Bible is chock full of accounts of people encouraging one another (or themselves) in the Lord, both in good and hard times. By following their example, especially during hardships, we can band together for the rough ride, which is always temporary. Life with Christ is forever. Let's build one another up!

ENCOURAGE OTHERS BY PRAYING FOR THEM

Whenever you pray for others, you're encouraging them, whether or not they're aware of what you're doing. God hears you. Another manner in which to console others needing comfort is to share Bible verses from the links offered below, which were compiled for such a time as this (Esther 4:14).

From your heart, tell them you love them. Encourage them right now, right where you are. Then stand back and let Jesus do the rest…

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If you're seeking additional information about Christianity on a more personal level, consider visiting a Christian Church here in Marion County (22). Introduce yourself to members and ask to speak with someone to learn more about Jesus. Surrendering your life to  Christ (23) (a) is the most rewarding and everlasting decision you'll ever make, and it's comforting to have someone guide you as you begin your new life as a child of the Most High! May God shower you with great favor in this endeavor!

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Footnotes, Page Credits and External Resources appear below. Consider printing and sharing the offered PDF narrative and other listed resources with family, friends and strangers alike for use in Bible Studies (24), Home/Church Faith Sharing Groups (25),  Discipleship Encounters (26) and/or Personal Faith Enrichment!

Modifications are welcome at [email protected].

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SELECTED ENCOURAGEMENT RELATED BIBLE VERSES

Key Bible Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-14.

OLD TESTAMENT

Exodus 15:2; Deuteronomy 31:6; Joshua 1:9; 1 Chronicles 16:11; Nehemiah 8:10; Psalms 31:6, Psalms 37:1-6, Psalms 46:1-3, Psalms 118:6, Psalms 118:24; Proverbs 15:15, Proverbs 16:20, Proverbs 18:10; Isaiah 26:3, Isaiah 40:28-31, Isaiah 41:10, Isaiah 43:2; Jeremiah 29:11, Jeremiah 32:27; Nahum 1:7.

NEW TESTAMENT

Matthew 6:14, Matthew 6:25-34, Matthew 7:7, Matthew 14:19-21; Mark 6:47-51, Mark 10:46-52; John 8:2-11, John 11:38-44, John 14:16-18, John 16:1-7, John 19:26-27; Acts 14:19-20, Acts 27:21-36; Romans 8:38-39; 1 Corinthians 15:20-58; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 1:4, Ephesians 1:13-14; Philippians 4:6, Philippians 4:19; Colossians 3:18-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.

FOOTNOTES:

  (1) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/old-testament

  (2) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/prophets-of-the-bible

  (3) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/nehemiah-1

  (4) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/nebuchadnezzar

  (5) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/babylonians

  (6) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/jerusalem

  (7) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/temple-first

  (8) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/israelites

  (9) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/exile

(10) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/judah-1

(11) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/artaxerxes-i

(12) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/temple-second

(13) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/God-of-the-bible

(14) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/tobiah

(15) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/Ammonites

(16) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/Sanballat

(17) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/Geshem

(18) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/Arabs

(19) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/Jesus-Christ

(20) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/Satan

(21) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/armor-of-god

(22) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/listing-by-city

(23) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/the-gracious-visitor

(24) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/bible-studies

(25) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/christian-education

(26) https://www.marionmannaproject.com/discipleship

EXTERNAL RESOURCES:

  (a)  How Do I Convert to Christianity?, Got Questions Ministries, accessed January 12, 2020    https://www.gotquestions.org/convert-to-Christianity.html