Nehemiah: Just Do It

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Nehemiah 2:9-20

In the first part of Nehemiah Ch 2, we learned the importance of patience and waiting on God’s timing. Today, let’s take a look at Nehemiah’s action steps as he prepares to rebuild the city of Jerusalem.

Nehemiah was careful not to share what God had given him to do with everyone right away. No one knew what he was up to when he reached Judah. He took some very crucial steps before exposing the plan God had placed in his heart.

1)    Nehemiah was inconspicuous (Neh 2:11-12). He was in Jerusalem 3 days before going out into the night with a few men. He did not draw attention to himself, he remained under the radar. We should hide the things of God in our hearts and wait for His perfect timing, sharing with only a few that are closest to us spiritually.

2)    Nehemiah conducted an inspection (Neh 2:13-15). He needed to see first hand what he was dealing with. He examined the ruined walls and gates. We should examine our motives, check ourselves, and deal with our own brokenness.

3)    Nehemiah then gathers the people of Jerusalem together. He reminded them of the shame and disgrace the ruined Jerusalem brought to their people and their need to rebuild (Neh 2:17).  We should repent, recognize that we are full of shame and disgrace and are ruined without Christ.

4)    Nehemiah told the people about the grace of God and how God’s grace led him to find favor with the king that supported his work. The people responded and agreed to help with re-building. Nehemiah gave them hope. So they began what the bible refers to as “ the good work”. We should embrace God’s forgiveness and grace. Move forward with the call of God on our lives with the people of God willing to help us succeed.

5)    Nehemiah faces and responds rightly to opposition (Neh 2:19-20). Nehemiah and his people were mocked and ridiculed. Tobiah and Sanballat, Nehemiah’s number one enemies led the charge. Just like Nehemiah when we are doing God’s work, the naysayers try to discourage us: “That will never work.” “Are you sure you heard from God?” “This is too much, you are way in over your head.” “You need to pray some more.” “What is that church up to now, what are they talking you into doing?” Let’s respond like Nehemiah: “The God of heaven will give us success. We are His servants and we will rebuild this wall (we will stand on His word). You have no share, no claim, or historic right to it (in other words- leave us alone, this is not your call, not your jurisdiction, not your inheritance, and no one asked you to share in the work to get it done!) We should rely on God when faced with adversity and be confident that He will strengthen us to complete the good work He has called us to do.

Dear Lord, help us to put our trust in your ability to help us succeed in the work you've called us to do. In Jesus name, Amen.