The work of the Holy Spirit is to take the treasures of His wealth and bring them to the surface in our lives. From the moment of the new birth, God is working within us to restore the areas of our lives that have suffered from the impact of sin.
There is a beautiful illustration of the work of the Spirit in the Book of Nehemiah. This man, Nehemiah, was a vessel used of God to bring forth an important strength in God’s people. His experience also gives us an example of what must take place in a person who is seeking restoration, stability, and spiritual strength. The Apostle Paul called these Old Testament experiences examples for us (see 1 Corinthians 10:6).
In the opening lines of the Book of Nehemiah, the stage is set for a powerful revelation.
The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month of Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace, That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates therof are burned with fire.
(Neh. 1:1-3 NJV)
The city of Jerusalem was at a crucial time in its history. The temple had been rebuilt and worship had been restored, yet the walls of the city still lay in ruin.
In those days the walls of a city served several purposes. By surrounding the city, they helped to protect it from invasion. The high towers built upon these walls provided a place for watchmen to view the countryside. This vantage point gave them time to prepare the city for battle as an enemy was still approaching. Therefore, they could not be surprised.
The report came to Nehemiah many miles away in the palace of the Persian king that the people of Jerusalem were greatly afflicted and reproached because there were no walls around their city. The report that came to Nehemiah described a city that was vulnerable to its enemies and embarrassed by its weak position.
Nehemiah’s heart sank as he heard the grim words of his kinsman. He wept and mourned for days. God’s city was in desperate need, and Nehemiah was moved by God into action. He prayed that God would use him to change the condition of Jerusalem. Something had to be done. The ruined walls would have to be cleared away and new walls built. Jerusalem must again be a city that glorified Jehovah God!
The condition of Jerusalem in Nehemiah’s day seems to reflect the conditions of countless Christians today. If we find it difficult to deal with the challenges that rise up against us, we must strengthen ourselves by calling on the Holy Spirit for help. As the walls of our souls are strengthened, we will be less and less vulnerable to the attacks of our enemy.
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Vikki and Dennis began as youth pastors in 1973 in Southern California where they received tremendous insight into the work of the local church. In 1976, they moved to Ft. Worth, Texas, to work with Kenneth Copeland Ministries. Vikki worked with KCM for three years before entering full-time ministry with her husband. Since that time, their relationship and involvement with Kenneth Copeland Ministries has continued. Vikki and Dennis have had numerous articles published in the Believer's Voice of Victory magazine.
Vikki has spoken in several nations including Australia, Japan, and Canada. She has ministered on television, radio, in women's conferences and marriage seminars. Her desire is to see people raised to a higher level of living through the Word of God. By acting on Gods principles, Vikki has obtained a testimony of victory and imparts encouragement to others.
Throughout the years, Vikki and Dennis have pursued new avenues of reaching people. The Lord has continued to expand their vision. Their dedication has affected thousands as they are impacting God's people with the love of God.