Most groups – including savings and credit groups – will face difficult times at some point. If these situations are not handled well, members may become discouraged and the group might stop functioning properly.
Learning from Nehemiah
The book of Nehemiah records an important time in Jewish history.
When the Israelites return to Jerusalem after a long period of captivity in Babylon, they find their city in ruins. The protective wall has been destroyed, leaving the Israelites vulnerable to attacks by their enemies.
Under the direction of Nehemiah, the Israelites begin to rebuild the wall.
Read Nehemiah 4:1-22
This passage illustrates several types of discouragement:
- Ridicule (verses 1-3)
- The size of the task (verse 10)
- Opposition and threats (verses 8, 11)
- Fear and anxiety (verse 12)
Reflect on how Nehemiah deals with this discouragement, spiritually and physically:
- Ridicule (verses 4, 5)
- The size of the task (verses 19-21)
- Opposition and threats (verses 9, 14, 15)
- Fear and anxiety (verse 15)
The people do not give up and their faith in God remains strong. They work together and support one another. They design a system so that they can respond rapidly if one group suddenly needs help. They are united under strong leadership and are dedicated to completing the work.
