Nehemiah : WK 5 - WED
Discouragement
Nehemiah 4:10
Then the people of Judah began to complain, “The workers are getting tired, and there is so much rubble to be moved. We will never be able to build the wall by ourselves.”
The work that Nehemiah’s team has accomplished in such a short time is truly remarkable. However, predictably, they are reaching a quitting point, and completion is at risk.
Several factors lead us to contemplate quitting. We might have a low tolerance for pain, frustration, and hard work. At times, we assume things will be easy. However, when unexpected challenges arise, we hit the eject button. Some of us have cultivated a habit of quitting, in which case, it’s really just a matter of time.
In all but the easiest tasks, a quitting point presents itself before we reach the finish line. Marathon runners report that, often around mile 20, they hit a wall and nearly quit. Powering past that point changes everything, and a second (or third) wind arrives.
The leader of a team plays a vital role in helping groups overcome the barrier of discouragement. Some of the tools at their disposal include affirming hard work, creating purposeful moments of celebration (celebrate small accomplishments, not just the big ones), maintaining open channels of communication to address discouragement, consistently reminding team members of why we are doing this work in the first place, and modeling the hard work required for completion.
In the end, attitude plays a bigger role than abilities in resisting quitting points. I once heard someone say, “Leaders are peddlers in hope.” That’s it, isn’t it? Whether we call it “light at the end of the tunnel,” vision, or inspiration, the task of the leader is to paint a hopeful picture of the future we are working toward.
I ask you, what is the vital work you are doing for God today? Is there a fast-approaching quitting point? Never forget, “You are the light of the world, you are the city of hope.” (Matthew 5:14)
Nehemiah 4:10
Then the people of Judah began to complain, “The workers are getting tired, and there is so much rubble to be moved. We will never be able to build the wall by ourselves.”
The work that Nehemiah’s team has accomplished in such a short time is truly remarkable. However, predictably, they are reaching a quitting point, and completion is at risk.
Several factors lead us to contemplate quitting. We might have a low tolerance for pain, frustration, and hard work. At times, we assume things will be easy. However, when unexpected challenges arise, we hit the eject button. Some of us have cultivated a habit of quitting, in which case, it’s really just a matter of time.
In all but the easiest tasks, a quitting point presents itself before we reach the finish line. Marathon runners report that, often around mile 20, they hit a wall and nearly quit. Powering past that point changes everything, and a second (or third) wind arrives.
The leader of a team plays a vital role in helping groups overcome the barrier of discouragement. Some of the tools at their disposal include affirming hard work, creating purposeful moments of celebration (celebrate small accomplishments, not just the big ones), maintaining open channels of communication to address discouragement, consistently reminding team members of why we are doing this work in the first place, and modeling the hard work required for completion.
In the end, attitude plays a bigger role than abilities in resisting quitting points. I once heard someone say, “Leaders are peddlers in hope.” That’s it, isn’t it? Whether we call it “light at the end of the tunnel,” vision, or inspiration, the task of the leader is to paint a hopeful picture of the future we are working toward.
I ask you, what is the vital work you are doing for God today? Is there a fast-approaching quitting point? Never forget, “You are the light of the world, you are the city of hope.” (Matthew 5:14)
- What is the farthest distance you have ever run? Have you ever considered running a marathon? Why or why not?
- What partially completed task are you discouraged by right now?
- What aspect of your life could use a boost of hope? What would you like to express to Jesus about that at this moment?
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