Session 12

Celebration Makes A Difference

From Nehemiah: A 13-Day Devotional

Jerusalem’s wall was finished in 52 days. Amazing! Nehemiah made plans to celebrate. Nehemiah passed out assignments, organized the people, and oversaw every aspect of the celebration. Nehemiah took the celebration as seriously as he took the building of the wall because he knew celebration was the final step of the project.

Romans 11:36 says, “For from him and through him and for him are all things.” Nehemiah realized the building project started with God, was sustained by God, and was for God. Celebration reminds us that every success happens by the grace of God.

Celebration reminds us that every success happens by the grace of God.

No matter what we are doing, thankfulness is not an add-on activity. Gratitude to God for all that He has done removes pride and opens the door to future blessings. Without thanksgiving, we would forget what is truly important. When we stop remembering God, we allow an unhealthy and false independence to grow. We begin to think we did it. And before we know it, we have removed God from our decision-making process.

Our ability to make a difference is a direct result of Jesus’ work in us. All of our success is from Him, through Him, and for Him. So, why wouldn’t we approach our victories with celebration and thanksgiving?

Consider This:

When was the last time you planned a celebration?

Pray:

Jesus, thank you for...