I [HEART] People

“They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.” Nehemiah 1:10-11 NIV

As I continue on this journey of ministry and evangelism, I realize that coupled with the aid of the Holy Spirit there is another continuous driving force egging me to go on. Even in times of depleting strength and growing weariness this one thing is what picks me up, shakes off the dust of despair, and places me upright to head into the trenches another day. I have a heart for people. I [HEART] PEOPLE.

Reading the story of Nehemiah, and witnessing his longing to see his fellow Jews thrive and prosper again after ruin, hit home for me. Nehemiah found himself weeping, fasting, and praying; not for himself, but for the betterment of his people. Identifying with this character trait I am intuitively understanding of why Jesus’ greatest commandment was to love God and to love one another. For it is this love, outside of one’s self, that becomes the driving force behind perseverance.

When believers feel that we are running this race alone (Just us and God) we often times yearn to quit. Have you ever just wanted to roll the credits and be ushered into heaven by the angels? Well, we have all been there at one time or another. But, what keeps us motivated is possessing the truly expansive heart of Christ. Jesus had the capacity of heart that cared more for people than His own circumstantial well-being. He understood, like Nehemiah, that, temporarily, He would have to put in taxing sacrificial work; but the reward of bringing others to true glory was well worth it.

Having a “Christ” heart for people is not always the easiest existence. But at the end of the day, knowing that people are rooting for you and are willing to help you “build that wall” is all the more to keep pushing! Be of good courage people of God! When the journey gets weary and quitting seems to be the only option, momentarily think about the people who would miss out on heaven if they never witnessed the ministry that God has placed within you. Let that be your motivation.

Pick up the next stone and keep building!

Nikki D