Wednesday, August 13th

To listen to the audio version, click here.

Ten Minutes with God
Wednesday, August 13th: “Trouble”

“As he was scattering seed…some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root…the seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. “
(Matt. 13: 5-6, 20-21)

How easily our hearts waiver due to the circumstances that surround us. How quickly our minds forget the instruction and the encouragement found in the Word of God. And, how swiftly is the joy stolen from us, replaced by trouble and fear. This is the great work of the enemy. It is something that we should constantly be on our guard against.

In Nehemiah chapter 8, we find a people ready to hear from the Word of God. But it was not always this way. According to Ezra 7:9, Ezra had gone to Jerusalem about thirteen years before Nehemiah, and had a weary time of fighting against the corruptions which had crept in among the returned captives. The arrival of Nehemiah would be hailed as bringing fresh, young enthusiasm, nonetheless welcome and powerful because it had the king’s authority entrusted to it. Evidently the two men thoroughly understood one another, and pulled together heartily (Expositions of Holy Scripture, Alexander MacLaren).

Just as Ezra and Nehemiah fought against the corruptions of the surrounding nations on behalf of the people of God, so too, must we be ready when trouble comes our way. 1 Peter 5:7-9 reads “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”

Take heart. Be of courage. Do not lose faith. Hold fast to truth.
Pastor Jonathan Goble