Nehemiah - Part 4 Member

NEHEMIAH – PART 4

DEALING I.

WITH

YOUNG ADULT CELLS DEC 2005 WEEK 2

DISCOURAGEMENT

Introduction

Discouragement is one of the most prevalent diseases to plague mankind. It is not only universal, affecting everyone, but it can also be recurring and contagious. Because discouragement can be such as insidious problem, even among Christian, we need to understand what the Bible has to say about discouragement and how we can deal with it. Discussion: Are you easily discouraged in your faith and life? What are some factors that make you discouraged and how do you normally deal with it?

Member’s Notes Learning Outcomes: Understanding, Behaviour Objective: At the end of this lesson, you will be able to: • Remember 3 causes of discouragement. • Implement 3 cures for discouragement in your life. • Encourage and spur one another in a practical way.

In rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, Nehemiah faced many obstacles and difficulties. Chapter 4 was a watershed situation when the people were greatly discouraged. In today’s lesson, we shall look at how Nehemiah handled discouragement within his own camp.

Member’s Notes page 1 of 5

NEHEMIAH – PART 4

YOUNG ADULT CELLS DEC 2005 WEEK 2

ii. T h e C a u s e s o f D i s c o u r a g e m e n t A. Fatigue In verse 10, the people in Judah reported that the strength of the labourers is giving out, literally, they are staggering and stumbling. Simply, it means that they are tired. It is interesting to note that discouragement set in when the wall was built to half its height (v6).

6 So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart. 7 But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the men of Ashdod heard that the repairs to Jerusalem's walls had gone ahead and that the gaps were being closed, they were very angry. 8 They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it. 9 But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat. 10 Meanwhile, the people in Judah said, "The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall." 11 Also our enemies said, "Before they know it or see us, we will be right there among them and will kill them and put an end to the work." 12 Then the Jews who lived near them came and told us ten times over, "Wherever you turn, they will attack us." Neh 4:6-12

Have you been in a situation in which you were grinning with enthusiasm when you started on a project but halfway through you were discouraged and wanted to give up? Why?

Read 1 Kings 19:3-9. Elijah was in depression at this time and reeling from fatigue. What was God’s solution for him?

B. Frustration Again, in verse 10, the people looked at the amount of rubble to clear and they were discouraged. They realized that their enterprise was not as easy as they had first envisaged. Can you picture yourself as one of the workers at the wall? How do you think you would have reacted to the difficulty of the task? What are some things you can do to overcome frustration?

Member’s Notes page 2 of 5

NEHEMIAH – PART 4

YOUNG ADULT CELLS DEC 2005 WEEK 2

The people were gripped by fear as they faced the serious threat of death. What do you think fear did to them?

Studies have shown that most of our fears are unfounded. In fact, only about 5% of all our fears are real and we can’t do anything about it. Are you a worrier or a “happy-go-lucky” person? What are some ways we can deal with fear or worries in our lives?

Member’s Notes page 3 of 5

NEHEMIAH – PART 4

YOUNG ADULT CELLS DEC 2005 WEEK 2

iii. T h e C u r e s f o r D i s c o u r a g e m e n t The good news is that discouragement is a curable disease. The challenge is for us to know the signs of discouragement in our lives and take actions against it before it becomes chronic. Let’s look at how Nehemiah overcame discouragement in the camp.

13 Therefore I stationed some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places, posting them by families, with their swords, spears and bows. 14 After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, "Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes." 15 When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to his own work. 16 From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor. The officers posted themselves behind all the people of Judah 17 who were building the wall. Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other, 18 and each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked. But the man who sounded the trumpet stayed with me. Neh 4:13-18

A. Reorganize Your Priorities What steps did Nehemiah take in organizing the people to face the problem? How do you think this help to overcome the problem? Do you face fatigue, frustration or fear constantly? What are some ways you can reorganize your priorities to overcome the problem?

B. Remember The Lord Nehemiah stood up and encouraged the people. He told them not to be afraid and remember the Lord. How can remembering the Lord helps us in our discouragement? List some practical steps that can help you remember the Lord.

Member’s Notes page 4 of 5

NEHEMIAH – PART 4

YOUNG ADULT CELLS DEC 2005 WEEK 2

iv. C o n c l u s i o n The cell plays an important role in encouraging and affirming one another in the Lord. As a cell, verbally expressed your appreciation and thanksgivings to someone and encourage him/her in the Lord. 0.5

Member’s Notes page 5 of 5