Solutions August 2018 | Page 74

time that relationship will crumble again . Relational rubbish can only be removed through true repentance and unconditional forgiveness .
Many of us who are in need of rebuilding already have a solid foundation . We do not need to lay a new one . But we do need to remove our own accumulated rubbish so the solid foundation can be exposed once again . Many marriages have been built on a solid foundation , but it is the rubbish that has been allowed to pile up across the years that is the problem . We need to remove it , to get back to the foundation , and to make our own proper adjustments when we meet opposition .

Are any of us wondering why we rebuild only to see our walls crumble again time after time ?”

Others of us are living lives that were originally built on a solid foundation . We were brought up on the principles of honor , decency , and integrity that are rooted in the Bible . The problem lies in the fact that those principles have not been seen in a while because all the rubbish of life has buried them . And , unfortunately , some of us continue to attempt to build on that rubbish , instead of first removing it . This perpetuates an endless cycle of rebuilding and collapse , and it is a major reason why more walls of life are not solidly and permanently rebuilt .
When Nehemiah met with opposition , he first faced it head-on , and then he made the proper adjustments needed to complete the task . Listen to him , like a motivating coach at halftime , as he regrouped his troops : “ Do not be afraid of them . Remember the Lord , great and awesome , and fight for your brethren , your sons , your daughters , your wives , and your houses ” ( 4:14 ).
It was halftime for Nehemiah , and the wall was at half its height ( 4:6 ). It was time to make the proper adjustments to the game plan . Nehemiah called all his people off the wall , rallied them together , huddled them up , gave them an inspiring challenge , and then sent them out to get rid of the rubbish and finish strong . Like a seasoned coach of a championship team , he made the necessary halftime adjustments . There was a rebuke —“ Do not be afraid of them .” He addressed their fears and encouraged them —“ Remember the Lord , great and awesome .” Then he exhorted them —“ Fight for your brethren .”
Are any of us wondering why we rebuild only to see our walls crumble again time after time ? Could it be that we are attempting to rebuild on a foundation as shiftless as rubble ? Remember , it is the YAC that matters . And sometimes
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