My first Berkeley midterm was this morning at 8am. I took a 1.5 hour long test for 100A microeconomics. It was more difficult than I thought, not because of the material but because most people didn't have enough time to finish it. I ended up rushing through a couple parts that might have some problems...

Music lecture was slightly dry today...

I spent a lot of time at home today, then went to prayer meeting tonight. Afterwards we returned to the apartment again and I did a little more work.

Devotion time questions:

Nehemiah 4

What does Sanballat’s ridicule reveal about the apparent impossibility of the project to rebuild the wall?

By ordinary standards the work seemed impossible, a gigantic task attempted by a collection of people who had no background in this type of work.

Sanballat mocked, but behind his mocking was something darker: anger. In what way is this true of the mocking Christianity receives from the “culture makers” of our day?

Christians are commonly ridiculed for taking a stance on various moral issues that are controversial in our culture. Often times what's found behind the ridicule is not any valid reasoning, but instead anger that Christianity presents a word view and lifestyle that seems restrictive to what people want to do.

Reflect on the words: “the people worked with all their heart.” What lesson does this give regarding how best to respond to scorn and ridicule directed at Christianity?

Responding directly to, or fighting against, ridicule is often counter-productive, and the best way to respond is to continue standing up for your faith and making your life a living example of your beliefs.

Notice that the opposition turns from mockery to threat of actual physical attack because the people had worked successfully to complete the wall to half-height. What truth about spiritual warfare does this show?

Spiritual warfare will take any form necessary to hinder us, and we need to be vigilant to guard ourselves against it.

Reflect on the overwhelming set of circumstances—external threat, internal loss of strength—that confronted Nehemiah. What does Nehemiah’s response of prayer, followed by taking a number of concrete measures reveal about his faith and wisdom in moving through overwhelming situations?

Having faith doesn't mean being unprepared, and taking precautions doesn't mean having a lack of faith. Nehemiah applies this, and is unhindered by the threats that arise by persevering.

What can I learn from this for times when I am confronted with multiple problems at the same time, or a task that must be done, but that seems overwhelming?

Since it must be done, we have no choice but to accomplish it. Therefore, we need to trust that God will provide all the strength and wisdom we need as we diligently undertake the task.

Reflect on the positive contribution of Tobiah and Sanballat toward the completion of the wall and the unity of the people of Israel. What perspective does this give me regarding opposition and setbacks to God’s work, and the proper response of God’s people to such things?

Though Tobiah and Sanballat's words and actions seemed to be negatives at first, in the end they proved to be catalysts that helped the seemingly insurmountable task be completed. Therefore, we shouldn't despair at the first sight of any perceived hurdles, but instead have faith because they could indeed spur is on towards our goal.