I pray you have been enjoying our journey through the book of Nehemiah on Sunday mornings. Last Sunday, we came to the pivotal moment in the book when the walls were completed (Nehemiah 6:15-16) and the people of Israel (along with us) were faced with the question, “what’s next?”. Sometimes pivotal moments are triumphant while other times they are devastating. Regardless, Christians must soberly live with the future in view while being faithful to Jesus in the present. Elisabeth Elliot (1926-2015) is a wonderful example of this and testimony of God’s grace in “doing the next thing.” She popularized the poem entitled Ye Nexte Thynge(1897) written by Eleanor Amerman Sutphen. May it encourage you to “do the next thing” that God has placed before you by faith in His strength.

From an old English parsonage down by the sea
There came in the twilight a message to me;
Its quaint Saxon legend, deeply engraven,
Hath, it seems to me, teaching from Heaven.
And on through the doors the quiet words ring
Like a low inspiration: “DO THE NEXT THING.”

 Many a questioning, many a fear,
Many a doubt, hath its quieting here.
Moment by moment, let down from Heaven,
Time, opportunity, and guidance are given.
Fear not tomorrows, child of the King,
Trust them with Jesus, do the next thing

Do it immediately, do it with prayer;
Do it reliantly, casting all care;
Do it with reverence, tracing His hand
Who placed it before thee with earnest command.
Stayed on Omnipotence, safe ‘neath His wing,
Leave all results, do the next thing.

 Looking for Jesus, ever serener,
Working or suffering, be thy demeanor;
In His dear presence, the rest of His calm,
The light of His countenance be thy psalm,
Strong in His faithfulness, praise and sing.
Then, as He beckons thee, do the next thing.

If you would be interested in learning more about Elizabeth Elliot, you can read her biography entitled Elisabeth Elliot: A Life by Lucy S. R. Austen or listen to an interview with the author of her biography at https://www.crossway.org/articles/podcast-the-life-and-legacy-of-elisabeth-elliot-lucy-s-r-austen/

Grace and Peace, Pastor Matt