TODAY’S WORD FOR WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2016.
WALLS
Part Two
Part Two
Structures to enclose, to separate, support or protect; something causing separation.
And I went out by night through the Valley Gate to the Serpent Well and the Refuse Gate, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem which were broken down and its gates which were burned by fire. Nehemiah 2:13.
Yesterday we talked about the walls of Jericho, Berlin, China, Babylon and Jerusalem. Today we want to look at Nehemiah and how he reacted to God’s calling for him to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
In the New Testament, we see that God’s ultimate dwelling place is in us, His people. If we have allowed the walls of our spiritual life to become broken down now is the time to rebuild our wall of faith and surround ourselves with God’s protection and strength.
There were 5 steps that Nehemiah shares with us that he took in the process of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. We need to adhere to these same steps as we rebuild the walls of our lives.
First, Nehemiah had a CONCERN about the ruins. We will never rebuild the walls of our lives unless we have a concern and mourn the ruins of our lives, just as Nehemiah mourned the ruins of the wall at Jerusalem.
Secondly, Nehemiah wept and prayed for days over his concern for the way that the nation of Israel had forsaken God. He prayed and CONFESSED the sins of his people and asked God for forgiveness. We need to confess our sins and ask for forgiveness if we are to rebuild the walls of our spiritual lives.
Thirdly, Nehemiah was COMMITTED. He didn’t just pray. He got to work and took immediate steps to fulfill his commitment. When we take the time to pray God will empower us to overcome “impossible” situations. Rebuilding the wall would have not been possible without God’s enabling power.
Fourthly, Nehemiah needed COURAGE to rebuild these walls. Nehemiah was mocked and threatened but he did not give up because he knew God was directing him. Whenever one says that they will arise and rebuild, Satan always responds by saying that he will arise and destroy. We can be sure that Satan will put roadblocks and obstructions in our way when we start to return to God by building up our faith as a wall of protection against Satan’s temptations. We must be courageous and not give up.
Finally, Nehemiah approached the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem with CONFIDENCE. He did not just rush out and start laying bricks or recruiting people to help. He went out at night and secretly surveyed the damage to the wall to determine exactly what needed to be done. When he was ridiculed Nehemiah confidently replied, “The God of heaven will give us success.” Nehemiah 2:20. We will be ridiculed by those who do not believe, but we can have confidence that the almighty God of heaven will give us success just as He did Nehemiah if we put our trust in Him.
In spite of the enormity of the task he inspired the Jews to be confident they could rebuild the walls because the “hand of God was upon them.”
We can look at Nehemiah as an example as we work to rebuild the walls around our lives. We must recognize the condition of our spiritual life and be concerned enough to rebuild it. Start by reading the Bible and then communicating to God through prayer. You will be amazed at what God will do through you if you just trust and obey.
Our memory verse for this week is found in Psalms 16:11.
You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Give me the courage of Nehemiah as I work to rebuild the walls of my faith. Help me to be willing to follow Your leading in all that I do as I work diligently to serve You in this evil world that we live in.
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