Next to Them 

When I was seeking God in 1991 about moving to Florida and leading the Teen Challenge program there, God led me to the book of Nehemiah. I was challenged by the life and faith of Nehemiah and in recent months when reading the book through again God has challenged me. Since this is so close to my heart right now I want to share what the Lord has been saying to me through Nehemiah.

In chapter 1 we read Nehemiah was moved by the need in Jerusalem. When Nehemiah heard about the disrepair of the walls he "sat down and wept." For days he mourned, fasted and prayed to the God of heaven." When you hear about the need of 270 million addicts around the world how does that affect you? Can we dream of truly putting Hope within reach of every addict?

Chapter 2 shows us that you don't receive the blessing of the king unless you share the need. After Nehemiah had fasted and prayed, he went to the king to ask for supplies, not only for the need, but provisions for himself as well. The king looked on him in favor and not only provided what was needed, but also sent army officers to protect him as a bonus. God often times gives extra bonus gifts along the way. Read the entire chapter, you will find great leadership principles in the life of Nehemiah!

As I read in Nehemiah 3, the phrase "next to them" is used - 38 times! Working on the wall around the city, families and teams worked together to rebuild and finish the wall. The head of each family took responsibility for a section of the overall vision. The section they focused on was in their region and in close proximity to where they labored and lived. We also see that each family dealt with the rubble in their area! The rubble may differ, but the fact remains that we all have to work side by side to accomplish the task that is before us.

In your ministry do you find there are constant challenges? While we are working to see our vision become a reality, we find that we often face opposition as well. Our workers become tired, outside opposition and attacks come our way to slow down our progress. Be encouraged by the words of Nehemiah (4:14), "Don't be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious..." -- double the watch, carry your sword, sleep with one eye open. Let the Lord fight the battle for you and you will see victory.

As we look at our dream to put Hope within reach of every addict, can I challenged you to look around the world and see where there is still a need for Teen Challenge? Can we think with the mentality of "next to them" and help build the wall? What is our responsibility in our own region, area around us and around the world?  

Let us look beyond ourselves and our need, dream of the possibilities and look at what God can do when we rely on Him.