...but we endure anything

rather than put a obstacle

in the way 

      of the gospel of Christ.

           1 Corinthians 9. 12

(That hardship--

and how I respond to it--

may be exactly what brings

someone to Jesus.

When you least suspect,

others are watching you

--in the everyday details

   and in the crisis--

to see what is 

       most important to you

and that God is real.

Be assured.

God is using you in mighty ways.

Then God put it

      into my mind...

          Nehemiah 7. 5

("What made me think of that?"

When I seek the LORD

with a whole heart

    and a willing mind,

God makes me aware

of something completely different 

             on my radar.

What is Your way in this,

                  O God?

The ultimate outcome is

God's hand in this,

    His purposes unfolding).

After him

  their brethren repaired...

...next to him...

after him..,

    

       Nehemiah 3

(Obedience to God

produces a chain reaction.

My obedience,

my following after God

      in this and in that,

impacts the obedience

and the willingness of others.

"I could do that too.")

Now I was
   cupbearer to the king.

         Nehemiah 2. 1

(Where is God
       using you?
He works in incredible ways
    and improbable places.
God calls me
   to be faithful,
the most significant
            place of all).

But I trust in You,

          O LORD,

I say,

  "You are my God."

My times are

         in Your hand.

        Psalm 31. 14-15

(Even now,

even in this 

even when

I don't understand.)

...that we might humble ourselves
           before our God,
to seek from Him
a straight way for ourselves,
our children,
and all our goods.

                 Ezra 8. 21

(When I seek
    to align my heart to His,
God changes me
and influences
everyone around me
and all who
           come after me.
Everything I choose
directly impacts
       someone else.
What is God's way in this?)

O LORD,

I cried to You for help,

and You have healed me.

                    Psalm 30. 2

(It doesn't get any simpler

    than a cry for help.

It doesn't get more profound 

    than a changed heart.

God's way is not necessarily 

      a change in circumstances,

but a change in me.

The LORD is my strength,

        my deliverer,

and the healer of my soul).