by: Dr. Allen Domelle
Nehemiah 6:16
“And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.”
Everyone needs validation to prove that their way of life is right. Validation is the only thing that silences the critics. One of the biggest hurdles to overcome in any walk of life is validating that your way of life is the right way.
When you read about the work and the obstacles that Nehemiah and his workers faced in rebuilding the wall, you quickly realize that what they faced could have been overwhelming. What I love about Nehemiah and his fellow workers is that they didn’t let the work stop in spite of what they faced. Though they knew what they were doing was the right thing, those around were simply watching to see if they would succeed. Their work was validated when they finished the wall. When their enemies heard that the wall was finished, “…they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.” This was validation! It had to give a sense of satisfaction to Nehemiah and his fellow workers when they placed the last brick on the wall and saw the defeated spirit of their enemies. The only thing that validated this work and showed their enemies that this work was of God was the finished work.
We can say all we want that our way of life is the right way, but the only way we can validate our work is to finish what we start. Just because you have served the LORD for a few years doesn’t validate your way of life. I’m afraid too many Christians think that because they have served God for a short period that everyone should listen to them. The only way you are going to validate your Christian life to others is to continue serving the LORD throughout your entire life.
Moreover, a ministry will only be validated over many years of doing the same thing. Many young preachers fall into Satan’s trap that seasoned preachers should give them respect because they have been in the ministry for a few years. Being in the ministry for eight to ten years doesn’t validate your ministry. One thing I have observed is that most men’s ministries won’t be validated until they approach their senior years. Ministries are validated over decades. Your product over the decades is the only thing that validates what you are doing is right. Just because you say it is right doesn’t validate it in the sight of others.
Furthermore, you are constantly validating your work. Yesterday’s validation is not valid for today. You must be careful about living off yesterday’s success for the rest of your life. You are constantly validating your work. What you do today won’t be validated until your finished product comes out tomorrow. If you keep the mentality that you are constantly validating your work to the outside, you will never lose the drive to prove that the old paths will produce the best product.
Let me remind you that a finished product is the only way to validate your work and way of life. Don’t let the journey to the finished work discourage you. There is nothing like the sweet feeling of a finished work and seeing the enemy silenced because they see your work was of God. To those who are just starting, keep walking the old paths that have been validated and you will be able to have your works validated when others see your finished product.