The book of Nehemiah is all about building Jerusalem’s destroyed walls. 

  Nehemiah is in Susa, the capital of Persia. (Persia is Iran today.)  Men came to the capital from Jerusalem.  Nehemiah, a man of God and the king’s cupbearer,  wanted to know: about the returned people, the city of Jerusalem.  How was it going?  Nehemiah 1:2
  Nehemiah was heartbroken at the answers.  The people who returned to Jerusalem from Babylon captivity are in great distress and reproach.  The walls of Jerusalem are broken down, the gates of the wall are burned with fire.  He sat and mourned for days.  Nehemiah 1:3

Nehemiah first turned to God:
  Nehemiah then fasted and prayed “before the God of heaven.” 
Nehemiah 1:4
  Nehemiah’s heart-felt prayer for the people and the city,  Nehemiah 1:5-9
Nehemiah asked for God to listen to his prayer and make God’s servant (Nehemiah) successful today and grant him compassion before the king of Persia.  Nehemiah 1:11
  The king noticed Nehemiah’s sadness and asked him about it.  Nehemiah then asked the king to let him go to Jerusalem to rebuild it.  Nehemiah 2:6

  Before beginning any project,
think about the “nuts and bolts” and time needed to do the job.

  After the king’s approval, Nehemiah wisely asked for letters from the king authorizing him to do what he had proposed.  The king sent protecting guards with Nehemiah.  Nehemiah 27

  Inspection of the demolished walls Nehemiah 2:11-20
  Nehemiah got to Jerusalem, and inspected it, at night, so he wouldn’t be bothered with a lot of questions. 
  Nehemiah gathered the leaders of Jerusalem together and proposed to rebuild the walls.  Nehemiah told how God had gotten him this far.  The leaders agreed to the work.  Enemies heard about the walls being rebuilt and tried to intimidate the builders.  They were met with the words, “The God of heaven will give us success; therefore we His servants will arise and build.”  Nehemiah 2:20

Begin with God and give Him the credit as you go forward.

  Nehemiah’s assignments were organized Nehemiah 3:1-32
  Nehemiah assigned a portion of the wall to families-men and women.   Everyone helped, no matter their position. 

  Nehemiah’s solution to enemies and confidence in God Nehemiah 4:15-20 
Prayer first.  Then a guard was set to watch and protect the builders.  Each person working on the wall held a weapon in one hand and with the other did the work. 

Think about this!

Whatever obstacles and challenges one faces, look to God and use godly, common sense.
Success may be long and difficult.  But don’t let that stop you from relying on God for success.

Categories: Think about this!