Read the Resume

Have you ever heard someone say, “you’ve never done anything for me”? Has your mind filled with thoughts of how you will never accomplish anything? Unfortunately, we tend to forget events once the moment is over. Our minds only freshen up when we’re looking for a job and need to submit a resume. While a job search is an ideal time to spruce up and review our resume, we also need to reference our accomplishments and actions when faced with lies about inactivity and inability.

The Story: Nehemiah 9

In Nehemiah 9, the Israelites were in captivity because of their rebellious ways. They were in distress and knew God was their only hope for deliverance. In an effort to plead their case, they turned their heads toward God. The Israelites worshipped as the Levitical priests read the Law. Basically, they recited God’s resume.

The priests, as the spiritual leaders of the people, recounted who God was and His efforts to lead them. With solemn resolve, the priests professed how God made ways for the Israelites on numerous occasions. God fed them with bread from heaven, quenched their thirst with water from a rock, and even ensured the longevity of their clothes. He covered them by day with a pillar of cloud. By night, God guided them with a pillar of fire. Despite the host of actions from God, the Israelites rejected Him and followed idols.

The priests’ litany continued. They remembered the many instances in which the people found themselves in captivity for sin. Although God led them into bondage, His love rescued them every time. Nehemiah 9:33 sums up the Israelites’ assessment.

However, You are just and righteous in everything that has come upon us;
For You have dealt faithfully, but we have acted wickedly.

Nehemiah 9:33 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Nehemiah+9%3A33&version=AMP

In an effort to offer a renewed covenant with God, the Israelites reviewed God’s resume and found Him qualified and them lacking. From a place of humility, they signed the covenant.

The Lesson

As the Levitical priests read God’s resume, the time has come for us to read some resumes.

• God’s resume: When faced with challenges, we tend to forget who God is and what He has done. We walk around in despair and uncertainty as if we’re alone in life and the struggle. God unequivocally stated that He would never leave nor forsake us. To ensure we knew His sincerity, He said it in the Old and New Testament (Deuteronomy 31:6; Hebrews 13:5). His resume is true and infallible. Although we can read the Bible and see what God did for others, we can also think and recall what He’s done for us. God’s resume is trustworthy.
• Our resume: Despite the naysayers and even our own minds, we have accomplished much. We tried, failed, tried again, persevered, and succeeded. Therefore, the time is now to write and read our resume. Not one filled with employment history and education, but one laced with how we faced obstacles, how we stood when we wanted to fall, and how we overcame. Because if we did “it” once, we can do “it” again.

Rise up and read the resumes. We are more than qualified to face what lies ahead.

 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

Romans 8:37 – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans+8%3A37&version=NIV