Overcoming Discouragement: Lessons from Nehemiah in Pursuing Your Dreams
This blog is written more for me than anyone else, but perhaps it will resonate with you. God has given us dreams and visions, but turning them into reality is hard work. For me, this journey began two to three years ago, and we have just recently launched our vision in a tangible way. Big dreams take time to germinate.
Lately, I’ve been discouraged, even as I try to view our business metrics positively. We are getting engagement with our social media posts and more unique visitors to our website. Yet, the lack of new clients has been disheartening. It’s only been 27 days since our launch, and I know I need to give it time. But the mountain of work ahead can be overwhelming, and I find myself slipping into despair.
Yesterday, I reached a breaking point. I was ready to call it quits on the business—or on my despair. (It’s important to note this is not clinical despair, depression, or anxiety, which should be taken seriously and professionally addressed when needed.) To clear my mind and seek God's guidance, I took a three-hour hike in the rain. While I didn’t receive any concrete answers, I felt a sense of peace.
This morning, an email came through with a blog post from The Passion Translation, which spoke life to me. Then I turned to my go-to book of the Bible: Nehemiah. And God began to speak to me. I had fallen back into the habit of hearing what God wanted me to do and then running off to do it on my own. Now, struggling under the weight of it all, I find myself running back to Him for help. You’d think I’d have learned this by now, but we serve a loving and patient God.
Here's what I heard:
1. Nehemiah Turned to God in Prayer
Nehemiah felt the need and went straight to God in prayer. When opposition arose, he didn’t hesitate to pray. He was utterly dependent on God. In Nehemiah 4:4, he prays that the enemies' plans would come down on their own heads. This reminds me to bring my struggles to God first, trusting Him to handle the opposition.
2. Nehemiah Persisted
Despite the challenges, Nehemiah didn’t stop pursuing the work God had laid on his heart. Persistence in the face of discouragement is crucial. We must keep going, trusting that God’s timing is perfect.
3. Nehemiah Armored Up
Nehemiah and his people worked with a trowel in one hand and a sword in the other. We, too, need to armor up with the Word of God. Ephesians 6:17 calls the Word of God the sword of the Spirit. It is our weapon against discouragement and opposition.
4. Nehemiah Involved the Community
Nehemiah didn’t work alone; he involved the community. I need to surround myself with like-minded people who can lend support when needed. Together, we are stronger.
5. Nehemiah Chose Courage
In Nehemiah 4:14, he encourages his people to remember the Lord, who is great and glorious. This is the God who is with us. If He is for us, who can be against us? We must choose courage in the face of fear and doubt.
6. Nehemiah Kept His Head
Nehemiah anticipated the enemy's moves and prepared accordingly. He thought through possible actions and consequences, responding wisely rather than reacting impulsively. We need to maintain a clear head and strategic approach in our endeavors.
Today, my heart feels lighter. I might even have faith the size of a mustard seed. God has called me to BIG things, and with Him by my side, those BIG things will be accomplished.
What has God called you to? What opposition or obstacles are you facing? I pray that in sharing my struggles, you find some encouragement. Remember, God is with you, and He is faithful to complete the work He has begun in you.
This blog post was edited with the assistance of ChatGPT.