Perseverance in Faith: Staying Focused on God's Calling
Summary
This morning, hearts were called to prayer and gratitude, remembering that God’s goodness is constant—past, present, and future. Even when we falter, God’s mercy and grace remain, and that alone is reason to give thanks. We laid our burdens at the altar, trusting that God hears every cry, knows every need, and is still answering prayer. We prayed for healing, deliverance, guidance, and for God’s hand to move in our families, our city, our nation, and our church. We asked for forgiveness, for renewed spirits, and for the joy of salvation to be restored in us.
Turning to the story of Nehemiah, we were reminded of the importance of perseverance in the face of opposition. Nehemiah’s assignment to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls was met with resistance, false accusations, and even betrayal from those close to him. Yet, he refused to be distracted or discouraged. He prioritized his God-given purpose, persisted through pressure, and persevered through pretense and lies. Nehemiah’s response to his adversaries was simple but profound: “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down.” He would not abandon his calling to address the negativity or schemes of others.
We reflected on the reality that not everyone will understand or support the assignment God has placed on our lives. Sometimes, even those close to us may not be in our corner. Discernment is necessary, and we must be careful not to come down from the “wall” God has placed us on just to deal with distractions or detractors. The closer we get to fulfilling God’s promises, the louder the opposition may become, but our focus must remain on the work God has called us to do.
We were encouraged not to quit, no matter how overwhelming the journey may feel. God provides everything needed for the assignment—resources, strength, and support. The call is too important to stop because of challenges, pressure, or the opinions of others. Instead, we pray as Nehemiah did: “O God, strengthen my hands.” We are reminded that God’s faithfulness is unwavering, and as we remain steadfast, God will be glorified through our perseverance.
Key Takeaways
- Gratitude is the Foundation for Prayer and Endurance
Before asking God for anything, it is vital to thank Him for everything. Recognizing God’s daily mercies—waking us up, providing for our needs, and sustaining us through trials—grounds us in humility and gratitude. This posture of thankfulness fuels our endurance when challenges arise, reminding us that God’s goodness is not dependent on our circumstances. [26:29]
- God’s Assignments Require Focused Obedience, Not Public Approval
Nehemiah’s example teaches that not every vision or calling should be shared prematurely. Some assignments are meant to be nurtured in private until God’s timing is revealed. Seeking validation from others can invite unnecessary opposition or confusion; instead, obedience to God’s direction must take precedence over public approval. [01:10:01]
- Persistence Through Pressure is a Mark of Spiritual Maturity
When we prioritize God’s purpose, resistance and pressure are inevitable. The enemy often intensifies distractions and discouragement when we are closest to breakthrough. Spiritual maturity is demonstrated by refusing to come down from the “wall” to address every critic or rumor, but instead, maintaining focus on the work God has entrusted to us. [01:15:20]
- Discernment is Essential—Not Everyone Close to You is For You
Even trusted friends or familiar voices can be used to distract or derail us from our calling. Nehemiah discerned that Shemaiah, though close, was not sent by God but was motivated by others’ agendas. We must pray for discernment to recognize who is truly in our corner and to avoid being led astray by those who do not have our best interests at heart. [01:26:01]
- Perseverance Through Pretense and Lies is Empowered by God’s Strength
False accusations and slander are tools the enemy uses to instill fear and halt progress. Like Nehemiah, our response must be to pray for God to strengthen our hands and to keep working. Our identity and assignment are defined by God, not by the opinions or schemes of others. Perseverance is not about never facing opposition, but about refusing to let it stop us. [01:22:11]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[26:29] - Opening Prayer and Thanksgiving
[33:34] - Intercessory Prayer for Community and Nation
[35:35] - Reflection on Christ’s Sacrifice
[52:55] - Honoring Community Leaders
[56:34] - Encouragement to Vote and Civic Engagement
[58:00] - Introduction to Nehemiah 6
[59:28] - Nehemiah’s Resolve: “I Cannot Come Down”
[01:03:04] - Don’t Stop: The Call to Persevere
[01:04:10] - Personal Testimony of Overcoming Overwhelm
[01:07:15] - God’s Provision for the Assignment
[01:10:01] - The Wisdom of Keeping God’s Plans Private
[01:15:20] - Persisting Through Pressure and Distraction
[01:22:11] - Persevering Through Pretense and Lies
[01:26:01] - The Need for Discernment in Relationships
[01:31:02] - Trusting God Through Trials
[01:36:05] - Staying on the Wall: Refusing to Come Down
[01:41:13] - Invitation to Christ and Rededication
[01:43:04] - Prayer for Strength and Commitment
[01:51:28] - Announcements and Community Events
[01:53:45] - Celebrating Achievements and Gratitude
[01:55:48] - Offering and Communion Preparation
[01:57:51] - Communion: Remembering Christ’s Sacrifice
[02:06:25] - Closing and Dismissal
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
---
### Bible Reading
Nehemiah 6:1-12 (ESV)
> Now when Sanballat and Tobiah and Geshem the Arab and the rest of our enemies heard that I had built the wall and that there was no breach left in it (although up to that time I had not set up the doors in the gates), Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, “Come and let us meet together at Hakkephirim in the plain of Ono.” But they intended to do me harm. And I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?” And they sent to me four times in this way, and I answered them in the same manner. In the same way Sanballat for the fifth time sent his servant to me with an open letter in his hand. In it was written, “It is reported among the nations, and Geshem also says it, that you and the Jews intend to rebel; that is why you are building the wall. And according to these reports you wish to become their king. And you have also set up prophets to proclaim concerning you in Jerusalem, ‘There is a king in Judah.’ And now the king will hear of these reports. So now come and let us take counsel together.” Then I sent to him, saying, “No such things as you say have been done, for you are inventing them out of your own mind.” For they all wanted to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will drop from the work, and it will not be done.” But now, O God, strengthen my hands. Now when I went into the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah, son of Mehetabel, who was confined to his home, he said, “Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple. Let us close the doors of the temple, for they are coming to kill you. They are coming to kill you by night.” But I said, “Should such a man as I run away? And what man such as I could go into the temple and live? I will not go in.” And I understood and saw that God had not sent him, but he had pronounced the prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. For this purpose he was hired, that I should be afraid and act in this way and sin, and so they could give me a bad name in order to taunt me.
---
### Observation Questions
1. What were the different tactics Nehemiah’s enemies used to try to stop him from rebuilding the wall?
(see [59:28] and [01:15:20])
2. How did Nehemiah respond each time his enemies tried to distract or intimidate him?
(see [59:28] and [01:15:20])
3. What role did Shemaiah play in the story, and how did Nehemiah discern his true intentions?
(see [01:26:01])
4. According to the sermon, what was Nehemiah’s simple but profound response to his adversaries?
(see [59:28])
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Nehemiah refused to come down from the wall, even when the pressure and accusations increased? What does this reveal about his priorities and trust in God?
(see [59:28] and [01:15:20])
2. The sermon mentions that not everyone close to us is truly for us. How does Nehemiah’s experience with Shemaiah illustrate the need for discernment in our relationships?
(see [01:26:01])
3. The pastor said, “The closer you get to what God has promised you, the louder the cries against you are going to be.” Why might opposition increase as we get closer to fulfilling God’s calling?
(see [01:39:24])
4. Nehemiah’s prayer was, “O God, strengthen my hands.” What does this prayer show about where Nehemiah found his strength and how he handled discouragement?
(see [01:22:11])
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon emphasized starting with gratitude before asking God for anything. What is one specific thing you can thank God for this week, even if your circumstances are difficult?
(see [26:29])
2. Is there an assignment or calling in your life that you have been tempted to “come down from the wall” because of criticism, pressure, or discouragement? What would it look like to stay focused on that calling this week?
(see [59:28] and [01:15:20])
3. The pastor shared that sometimes even close friends or family may not support your God-given assignment. Have you experienced this? How did you respond, and what might you do differently after hearing this message?
(see [01:26:01])
4. Nehemiah kept some of God’s plans private until the right time. Are there dreams or assignments God has given you that you need to nurture quietly for a season? How can you discern when to share and when to wait?
(see [01:10:01])
5. The sermon talked about the importance of persistence and not quitting, even when overwhelmed. What is one area of your life where you feel like giving up? What is one step you can take this week to keep going?
(see [01:04:10] and [01:31:02])
6. The pastor warned about distractions, especially from people who may not have your best interests at heart. Is there a “distraction” or “detractor” in your life right now? How can you set boundaries or refocus on your God-given purpose?
(see [01:26:01])
7. Nehemiah’s prayer was for God to “strengthen my hands.” What would it look like for you to pray this prayer in your current situation? How might God answer?
(see [01:22:11])
---
Close in prayer, asking God for discernment, perseverance, and a grateful heart as you pursue His calling in your life.
Devotional
Day 1: Prioritize Your Purpose
God has called each of us to a unique and significant purpose, and it is essential to keep that calling at the forefront of our lives. When distractions, opinions, or even well-meaning people try to pull us away from what God has assigned to our hands, we must remain steadfast and focused. Prioritizing your purpose means refusing to come down from the work God has given you, even when others do not understand or support your assignment. When you put God's purpose first, you will see His plans unfold and blessings flow, but it requires a made-up mind and a heart fixed on what truly matters. [01:13:30]
Nehemiah 6:1-3 (ESV)
Now when Sanballat and Tobiah and Geshem the Arab and the rest of our enemies heard that I had built the wall and that there was no breach left in it (although up to that time I had not set up the doors in the gates), Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, “Come and let us meet together at Hakkephirim in the plain of Ono.” But they intended to do me harm. And I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?”
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to stop letting distractions or others’ opinions pull you away from what God has called you to do? How can you intentionally prioritize your God-given purpose today?
Day 2: Persist Through the Pressure
Pressure is inevitable when you are walking in your calling, but persistence is what separates those who finish the work from those who give up. The enemy will not sit idly by while you pursue God’s purpose; instead, he will send distractions, discouragement, and even persistent opposition to try to wear you down. Like Nehemiah, you must answer every attempt to derail you with unwavering commitment, refusing to come down from your assignment. Even when the pressure is relentless, keep your eyes on the priority and trust that God will give you the strength to keep going. [01:17:45]
Nehemiah 6:4-7 (ESV)
And they sent to me four times in this way, and I answered them in the same manner. In the same way Sanballat for the fifth time sent his servant to me with an open letter in his hand. In it was written, “It is reported among the nations, and Geshem also says it, that you and the Jews intend to rebel; that is why you are building the wall. And according to these reports you wish to become their king. And you have also set up prophets to proclaim concerning you in Jerusalem, ‘There is a king in Judah.’ And now the king will hear of these reports. So now come and let us take counsel together.”
Reflection: When you feel the pressure mounting and opposition growing, what is one practical way you can remind yourself to persist and not give up on what God has called you to do?
Day 3: Persevere Through the Pretense
False accusations, lies, and misunderstandings are often part of the journey when you are doing a great work for God. People may invent stories, question your motives, or try to frighten you into quitting. But like Nehemiah, you must persevere through the pretense, refusing to let fear or false claims stop you. Instead, pray for God to strengthen your hands and keep your focus on the work He has given you. Let your resolve be unshaken by what others say, knowing that God’s truth and purpose for your life will stand. [01:22:11]
Nehemiah 6:8-9 (ESV)
Then I sent to him, saying, “No such things as you say have been done, for you are inventing them out of your own mind.” For they all wanted to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will drop from the work, and it will not be done.” But now, O God, strengthen my hands.
Reflection: Is there a false narrative or negative opinion about you that you need to let go of today so you can keep moving forward in your calling? How can you pray for God to strengthen your hands in this area?
Day 4: Discern Who Is in Your Circle
Not everyone who is close to you is truly in your corner. Sometimes, even those who seem trustworthy may be used to distract or discourage you from your assignment. Ask God for discernment to recognize who is genuinely supporting your purpose and who may be working against it, even unknowingly. Trust that God will reveal the truth and give you the courage to keep moving forward, even if it means walking alone for a season. Remember, your assignment is too important to be derailed by those who do not have your best interests at heart. [01:26:01]
Proverbs 13:20 (ESV)
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
Reflection: Who in your life do you need to seek God’s discernment about—someone whose influence you may need to limit or whose support you need to appreciate more? How will you pray for wisdom in your relationships today?
Day 5: Trust God’s Provision for Your Assignment
When God calls you to a work, He will provide everything you need to accomplish it. Even when resources seem scarce or the task feels overwhelming, trust that God will open doors, send the right people, and supply every need according to His riches. Just as Nehemiah received favor, protection, and provision for the rebuilding of the wall, you can trust that God will equip you for your assignment. Do not let lack or uncertainty stop you—move forward in faith, knowing that God is faithful to provide. [01:07:15]
Philippians 4:19 (ESV)
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Reflection: What is one area where you are doubting God’s provision for your calling? How can you step out in faith today, trusting that He will provide what you need?
Quotes
And then right before I was about to put that degree on hold, I went into my prayer closet and I prayed, and I heard God say to me not to quit, and that he would give me everything I needed to make it through that challenging season that I was in. So I didn't quit. I couldn't quit. I couldn't stop. I had to keep going, and although there were some sleepless nights, let me change that. Although there were a lot of sleepless nights, there were some moments of some certainties, but with the help of God, I kept going, and I stopped by to tell someone today that life will get difficult. Don't stop. And life will have challenges, but don't stop. When things feel overwhelmed, and you feel like life is just lifing, do not stop. When trials come your way, don't stop doing what God has called you to do. Your call is too important to stop in the middle of it simply because things are hard, or you feel overwhelmed, or you feel like you're the only one doing what God has called you to do. I came to tell somebody, you are the only one doing what God has called you to do. [01:04:36] (74 seconds)
I want somebody to know that when you are on a mission for God, God will provide everything you need to get the job done. God will put people in place to bless you and make sure that you have everything you need to complete the assignment. Don't stop because it doesn't look like you have the resources to get the job done. The God that I serve and the God that you serve, he will provide for you. Just like he provided for Abraham, a ram in the bush, God will provide for you. Just like he provided for Elijah and that widow, Azarephath, God will provide for you. Just like he provided for our ancestors, big mama and nana and them, he will provide for you. God will never fail and he will always provide. [01:07:35] (46 seconds)
Everyone is not going to be able to handle the assignment on your life. Everyone is not going to help you accomplish the things that the Lord has put on your heart to do. Not everyone is going to celebrate what the Lord has put on your heart to do. So even when you have to go by yourself, don't allow the absence of people to stop you from completing your assignment. Everybody don't need to know what God has put on your heart to do. Everybody doesn't need to know what God is speaking to you. Everybody doesn't need to know what the Lord has assigned your hand to do because not everybody can handle your next level. And when you begin to tell everybody what God is about to do in your life, that's when you see frustration, stagnation, and that's when you get to a place you're wondering why everybody is against you because you were premature in your announcement. You need to get up at night and don't tell nobody what the Lord has called you to do. You need to make sure you keep some things to yourself because I'm going to tell you later in the sermon, there are people that's even close to you that can't handle what God is doing in your life. [01:08:47] (69 seconds)
but I want you to know that if you gonna prioritize your purpose you also gonna have to persist through the pressure you gonna have to persist through pressure because what you need to understand that pressure is gonna come when you prioritize your purpose you got to understand that the enemy just ain't gonna sit down and let you do what God has called you to do you do know the enemy is not gonna be happy that when you decide that no matter what it looks like that no matter what it feels like I'm gonna do what God has called me to do you got to understand that it is then that the enemy is gonna put pressure on you it's right here in the text the Bible says in verse number 3 and he sent word to me to come down and I said no the work I'm doing is too great to come down off the wall and mess with you see we got to stop coming from a high place to deal with low people [01:15:20] (64 seconds)
Why should I run and where I'm going to run to? And why should I go in the temple and think that I can live if I run away from my assignment? Nah, bruh, I ain't running nowhere. And then God gave me some discernment. And I understood and I saw that God had not sent him. And he had pronounced a prophecy against me because Tobiah and Samballot had hired him. What are you trying to tell me, Pastor Pogue? I'm trying to tell you, be careful of people in your circle who are not in your corner. I came to tell you, be careful of people that smile in your face, but all the while trying to take your place. I'm trying to tell you to be careful about people that's always trying to get close to you, but don't want you to know anything about them. You've got to be careful about people that say they're this and that and the other thing. And say, God, I need some discernment because not everybody [01:26:26] (69 seconds)
I told you, I told you, I told you earlier, I feel alright now, I told you earlier how overwhelmed I felt when I was working on my master's degree, hardest degree I ever got. I told you of all the pressure I had, I told you of all my sleepless nights, but I also told you that I heard the Lord tell me not to quit, I told you I heard the Lord tell me not to stop, so I trusted in the word of God, sometimes with tears in my eyes, but I trusted God, sometimes I didn't know how I was going to get the paper done, but typing the paper I still said, God I trust you, and I had to learn how to trust God, trying to read systematic theology, I had to learn how to trust God, even though I didn't understand all of the Greek that I was being taught, I had to trust God, trying to understand Hebrew as you read it backwards, I was trying to understand and trust God, and I heard God say don't quit, I heard God say in the middle of the night, while I'm reading a systematic theory book, that God said you can't stop now, so [01:32:17] (87 seconds)
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