Lost in Obedience

This morning I was reading part of Nehemiah's account of the rebuilding of the wall in Jerusalem.  What a man of courage and determination!  What if all of God's people were obedient to the point of Nehemiah's obedience?  What if we all just got lost in obedience to Him?  I think about great men and women like Moses, Abraham, Paul, John...well, actually all of the disciples, and so many others.  Accounts we get the pleasure of reading in the Bible still today. Then there are modern day versions like Mother Teresa and the countless others serving our world today as missionaries.  The obedience required in each of their lives speaks volumes. 

In Nehemiah 9, the people were finished with rebuilding the wall. They stood in place for 3 hours while the book of the law was read, and then 3 additional hours they stood as they confessed their sins and worshiped God.  After 6 HOURs they were still praying!  6 hours and still going...sounds like "Get Out of the Shade" Summer Camp from 5 or 6 years ago, but that's a story for another post.  They began recounting the greatness of God...of His great mercy and unfailing love.  At this time they offered up a simple petition to God not to forget them and their suffering.  Not 30 minutes of reading or praying in my comfy chair, but after 6 hours on their feet, they offered a simple prayer to God.  Amazing to me!  

If each of us were honest, we'd say we have trouble focusing on God for more than mere minutes some days.  At times we complain about having to get up for church or mumble about going to work or having to drive somewhere.  Times when, instead, we should be singing praise to God for the amazing privileges we have...privileges of His unfailing love and great mercy.  How incredibly blessed we are.  Every day, we should wake up with a song of joy on our lips and a heart of obedience to just say "Yes Sir, God.  Yes Sir."  Lord, make me more like Nehemiah.  Lost in obedience regardless of the cost.  With that, I'll just focus on saying "Yes Sir" today.