Our Faith Should Set Us Apart

Sanballat was very angry when he learned that we were rebuilding the wall. He flew into a rage and mocked the Jews, saying in front of his friends and the Samarian army officers, “What does this bunch of poor, feeble Jews think they’re doing? Do they think they can build the wall in a single day by just offering a few sacrifices? Do they actually think they can make something of stones from a rubbish heap—and charred ones at that?” [Nehemiah 4.1-2]

What can God's people do? What are they capable of? What about their religion makes them any more capable than anyone else? Who do they think they are?

The thing is, God's people were, in fact, attempting to accomplish something that drew the ire of those watching. Herein lies the lesson for us today.

What is it that we are attempting to do that makes those around us mock us? Anything?

Could we assume that if those around us are not mocking us, that perhaps we are not living in the fullness of the faith we claim?

It is worth considering.

Our faith sets us apart. Wait. Let me rephrase that: Our faith should set us apart.

Perhaps the best litmus test for whether any particular task is the Father's will or not is found in this question: is it impossible or is it unlikely in human estimation that it can be done? If it is impossible, then it is more likely to be a work of God. Subsequently though, in committing to accomplish an impossible task, it is also more likely that ridicule will come from outsiders and onlookers.

Father, what am I (or should I be) doing that the world thinks is foolish or impossible?