Nehemiah was a governor called by God. When we look at Nehemiah we see:

1. He presents his purpose;

a. He was the King's cupbearer.

b. He left his position to do God's work; he did the work because it was God's will.

2. He prerseverse through protest;

a. God had positioned the Jews for a comeback.

b. The temple is rebuilt, but the wall was needed to protect the city.

c. God gave Nehemiah the wisdom to not fall for the invitation from those who wanted to stop his work.

3. He perceived God's providence.

a. Don't limit yourself to things that you can do in your own power.

Expectation is a posture in this season. It affects your position.

Expectation must be sacred.

We must stay in position and guard our expectations.

1. The expecations were grounded in God's promises (Acts 1: 4) not a timeline (Isaiah 40:31). Waiting can stretch you, but not break you.
2. Expectations see beyond the present moment.
3. Expectation will outlast the enemy's strategies.
4. Expectation that is positioned recieves God's promise.

The Church at Thessalonica was new, but Paul recognized their great works. Paul's letter to them was about production. He encouraged them to rely on the foundational stones of Faith, Love, and Hope as they executed their works. Paul spoke about the love for God and love for man. 

• Faith (works) - the basis of everything; it is blind belief
• Love (labors) - tied to Christ on the cross at Calvary
• Hope (enduring) - faith directed into the future; hope flows from trust. 

Trust is the foundation for all of these.

Does your faith work? Does your love labor? Is your hope patient?

Paul has a thorn in his flesh, which causes great pain. It becomes his greatest testimony. We never know the full explanation or understanding of the thorn. Because of this, we can apply Paul's teaching to our "thorns."

Paul calls upon God (prayer), but the thorn remains. Paul learned some things about himself as he dealt with the thorn.

1. When we are faced with a thorn, it Illuminates My Pride (v7) - God uses the thorn to get our attention. Paul's thorn reminds him that he must still depend on God. We are nothing without God.
2. The thorn Intensifies our Prayers (v8) - Prayer works, but we don't always like how God answers our prayers. Our prayers should seek the will of God, not just our selfish desires. Sometimes, you just have to wait on God and lean into the will of God. God will grant you strength to endure the thorn while you wait.
3. The thorn Illustrates God's Provision (v9) - "My grace is sufficient for you" was God's response to Paul's prayers. God tells Paul what he will do, even though he does not remove the thorn. We must remember that God's got it! 

Built to Last

No building can stand without a firm foundation. The foundation is the lowest part of the building, usually underground. The rest of the house stands on the foundation. Without the foundation being right, the rest of the house can't stand.

1 Peter 2:5

Ephesians 2:20

We must stand solid and firm

1. When the floods come you have someone to stand with you.
2. The gates shall not prevail against it. Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world. 
3. Your labor will not be in vain.

My hope is built on nothing less...