TITLE: How To Kiss A Frog

TEXT: Nehemiah 2:1-8

PROPOSITION: Some tasks are not pleasant – but they are the will of God.

QUESTION: How?

KEY WORD: Principles

SCRIPTURE READING: Nehemiah 2:3-5

INTRODUCTION:

          1. Story of "Frog Prince"

          2. Theory - Task too repulsive will not be done.

          3. Application – Dirty work can have rich rewards. Why not done?

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

1. To return to Jerusalem he had to change the king's heart.

          Prayer to God                   1:7-11

2. Waiting is Essential.

          Book begins in December (Chislev). 1:1

          Approaches the King in April (Nisan).      2:1

          Living Bible "One day in April, 4 months later ..."

3. Be honest with your feelings.    2:2

          Nehemiah was sad. It showed on his face.

          He was "sore afraid."

4. One more prayer.

          The king offered help.

          I prayed to God.      2:3

5. Have a plan.

          "How long, when will you return?"

          "I set him a time."

          Write a letter - Permission to travel - Invoice for timber

6. Make sure that God is on your side.

          The good hand of God upon me.            2:8

FIVE PRINCIPLES ON "FROG - KISSING"

1. Changing the heart and character of a person is God's specialty.

                    Saul to Paul            Lydia - heart opened

2. Praying and waiting go hand in hand.

          Elijah -prayed for rain, looked, prayed again, looked

3. Faith is not a synonym for disorder or a substitute for careful planning.

                    Don't just "jump in" and think later.

                    We must not run ahead of God.

4. Opposition (resistance, ridicule) is to be expected when God's will is obeyed.

                    Godly will suffer persecution.

                    Many will not understand our motives and actions.

5. JUST DO IT WITH ALL YOUR MIGHT!

          When it is time to kiss the frog, just do it.