“I went out by night by the Valley Gate to the Dragon Spring and to the Dung Gate, and I inspected the walls of Jerusalem that were broken down and its gates that had been destroyed by fire.” (Nehemiah 2:13, ESV)
Yesterday, we spoke about the importance of preparation for a task. Part of that preparation is assessing the situation. To get where you are going, you need to know where you are. It would not do you good to map a trip from California if you were located in New Jersey. It is as important to know where you are as it is to know where you are going. There is a term for when you don’t know where you are. It is “LOST!”
When Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem, he goes out at night to assess the walls. He examines the work that needs to be done. He sees the walls broken down and the gates that were destroyed by fire. There was much work to be done, but he needed to know exactly how much work needed to be done.
Assessing the situation can be unpleasant. It means that you may need to face some unpleasant realities. It may be that you will see that you are more broken than you realized. But it will give you a clear picture of what needs to be done. It will make you aware of the resources that are available and the resources that will need to be brought to the table. It will help you get set straight. It will give you the opportunity to create a plan that is based in reality.
But the best part of assessing the situation is to be able to look back and recognize how far God has brought you. All things are possible with God. But God works through those who diligently plan and prepare.
Reflection
- Why is it important to access your situation?
- What unpleasant reality might you need to confront?
Prayer
Lord, give me an awareness of where I am so that I have a better understanding of where I need to go. Help me to face unpleasant realities that I may need to face. Help me to know where I am so that I can find the way. Give me guidance and direction to live out your purposes in my life. Amen!
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