Are You a First Responder?
Posted on December 20, 2016 by America's Keswick in Freedom Fighters
“As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven.” – Nehemiah 1:4
This was Nehemiah’s response to the horrible condition of the people of Israel. He received a troubling word of Jerusalem City’s wall. The walls were burned and in those days they were intended for protection, security, and the people of Israel were vulnerable. At this point, the children of Israel never fully recovered from the time of Nebuchadnezzar and still were somewhat in exile. Nehemiah had piety and patriotism that were so closely connected that he felt compelled to do something.
A First Responder is someone designated or trained to respond to an emergency. Their job consists of an array of methodology to stabilize or assist at the scene of an emergency. Part of their job is to make specific decisions, light medical treatment, control the crowd, and the like…
Non-Christians and Christians share one common ground: we are not exempt from suffering and trials. It’s the world we live in and this is re-enforced in the Bible we read. The question is how are we to respond, what’s the Biblical mandate, and where is God leading or teaching us in this moment? These are just a few of the many questions we should ask ourselves as we assess the situation.
Nehemiah gave us a great example of a responding. He understood and got honest with himself of the current condition of his people, and he wept and mourned. We are human. It’s okay to feel. Then he fasted. A great way to hear from God is to deny your flesh or daily routine in some capacity. Following, which I believe is the most important, he prayed. Prayer is the example of humility, understanding the need for Jesus’ perspective and for Him to work it out. Nehemiah was a great example of a first responder, Are You a First Responder?
Written by Juan Mendez: Juan is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and full-time staff member at America’s Keswick.
The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 50; Proverbs 20
Daily Quote: “The true church lives and moves and has its being in prayer.” – Leonard Ravenhill
This Week’s Verse to Memorize:
The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him. Psalm 28:7
Want to get away & have dedicated time to read & learn God’s Word?
Consider a retreat at America’s Keswick retreat center.
