Work Hard

We worked early and late, from sunrise to sunset. (Nehemiah 4:21a NLT)

Lessons from Nehemiah: Ten actions steps when the task before you is bigger than you.
1. Pray first.
2. Answer the call.
3. Take the first step.
4. Do your complaining to God.
5. Use common sense.
6. God-size your problems.
7. Work together.
8. Work hard.

Today's meditation:

• There are times to wait, rest, and be still, but there are far more action verbs in the Bible - like sow, reap, build, fight, go, grow - letting us know that we partner with God as workers in his vineyard and laborers for his harvest.

Pray today:

• For the employees of Emmanuel College to work diligently in their jobs, whether its teaching complex concepts or sweeping a floor, that we do well, that we do our part and let God do his.
• For students, staff, and faculty to see truth in the old saying that success is the result to prayer, perseverance, and perspiration, and may it be said of us that "the people had a mind to work" (Nehemiah 4:6).
• For the Emmanuel family to have energy and stamina for the long days ahead, for courage when the work is threatening, for persistence when results are less than satisfactory, for contentment when the harvest is bountiful. 

Pray First! Pray Through!