"So we continued the work with half the men holding spears, from the first light of dawn till the stars came out. At that time I also said to the people, “Have every man and his helper stay inside Jerusalem at night, so they can serve us as guards by night and as workers by day.'" Nehemiah 4:21,22 NIV
While most outdoor enthusiasts were praying for warmer temperatures last week, the runners and bikers participating in the Arrowhead 135 ultramarathon, which is purposely held at the coldest time of the year, embraced the -30 degree temperatures as they traversed the roughly 135 miles along the Arrowhead State Trail. “I was out there for 21 hours,” Don Gabrielson, who fat biked this year’s event, told Runner’s World. “I did get on the edge of hypothermia at the end, but it always amazes me how much heat your body produces. Unless you stop. You can’t stop, or at least not stop for long.”
And you know, Gabrielson is right. If you and I want to complete any hard task, we can't stop and we can't give up. Nehemiah certainly understood this as he embarked on the arduous task of rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem. Everywhere he turned he was faced with obstacles and significant enemy opposition. And through it all, Nehemiah prayed and kept working - even saying to the people, "Have every man and his helper stay inside Jerusalem at night, so they can serve as guards by night and as workers by day." And guess what? Because of his resolute resolve to not give up and his God given ability to inspire others to adopt the same attitude, the wall was completed in 52 days! How's that for staying power?
So if you're feeling weary, worn-out and unable to complete the task God has called you to today, don't give up my friend. Keep praying and keep working, knowing your labor will be rewarded.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the faithful followers who have gone before us to serve as examples that anything is possible if we would only keep the faith and refuse to give up. Help us to be people like them and cultivate resolute resolve and staying power. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
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