Embracing Burdens: Nehemiah's Call to Action

Summary

### Summary

Today, we embarked on a new series titled "The Good Work," focusing on the life and prayer of Nehemiah. Nehemiah's story is a powerful testament to how God uses ordinary people for extraordinary purposes. Despite being a cupbearer to the king, Nehemiah's heart broke for his homeland, Jerusalem, which lay in ruins. His response to this burden was to sit down and cry, kneel down and pray, and then stand up and act. This series aims to inspire us to identify what breaks our hearts, to bring those burdens before God in prayer, and to take bold steps of faith to address them.

Nehemiah's journey began with a deep emotional response to the plight of his people. He allowed himself to feel the pain and sorrow of their situation, which led him to fervent prayer. Nehemiah's prayers were not just fleeting moments but a continuous dialogue with God, reflecting his deep dependence on divine guidance. His prayers were specific, heartfelt, and persistent, showing us the importance of bringing our deepest concerns to God.

Nehemiah's story also teaches us about the cost of stepping out in faith. When we commit to doing God's work, we may face challenges, opposition, and personal sacrifices. However, the impact of our obedience and faithfulness can lead to transformative changes in the lives of others and bring glory to God.

As we move forward in this series, we are encouraged to find that one thing that breaks our hearts, to let it drive us to our knees in prayer, and then to stand up and take action. Whether it's addressing social injustices, helping those in need, or spreading the gospel, God calls us to be His hands and feet in the world. By following Nehemiah's example, we can embark on good works that have eternal significance.

### Key Takeaways

1. Embrace the Burden: Nehemiah's first response to hearing about Jerusalem's plight was to sit down and cry. He allowed himself to feel the full weight of the situation, which drove him to action. We must identify what breaks our hearts and let that burden move us to compassion and action. [01:05:49]

2. Persistent Prayer: Nehemiah's life was marked by continuous prayer. He prayed before taking any action, showing his dependence on God. Our prayers should reflect our belief in God's power and faithfulness. Persistent, heartfelt prayer is essential for any good work we undertake. [01:14:01]

3. Count the Cost: Stepping out in faith often comes with a cost. Nehemiah faced opposition, challenges, and personal sacrifices. We must be prepared for the difficulties that come with doing God's work, knowing that the impact of our obedience far outweighs the cost. [53:44]

4. Take Bold Action: After praying, Nehemiah stood up and took action. He didn't let fear or doubt hold him back. We are called to take bold steps of faith, trusting that God will provide the resources and strength needed to accomplish His purposes. [01:21:10]

5. God Uses Ordinary People: Nehemiah was an ordinary man with an extraordinary burden. God specializes in using everyday people to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. We don't need to be highly qualified; we just need to be willing and obedient. [01:24:33]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[20:18] - Worship and Praise
[38:30] - God Hears Our Prayers
[49:19] - Introduction to "The Good Work"
[50:47] - God Uses Ordinary People
[52:13] - The Cost of Stepping Out in Faith
[53:44] - Facing Challenges and Opposition
[55:33] - The Impact of Sacrificial Giving
[56:51] - Nehemiah's Burden for Jerusalem
[57:36] - Nehemiah's Prayer Life
[58:11] - The Good Work Begins
[01:01:05] - Nehemiah's Heartbreak and Response
[01:05:49] - Embracing the Burden
[01:14:01] - Persistent Prayer
[01:21:10] - Taking Bold Action
[01:24:33] - God Uses Ordinary People
[01:29:29] - Closing Prayer and Communion

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. Nehemiah 1:1-4 (NIV)
> The words of Nehemiah son of Hakaliah: In the month of Kislev in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa, Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that had survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem. They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.

2. Nehemiah 2:4-5 (NIV)
> The king said to me, “What is it you want?” Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.”

3. Nehemiah 2:18 (NIV)
> I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work.

### Observation Questions
1. What was Nehemiah's initial reaction upon hearing the news about Jerusalem? ([01:03:58])
2. How did Nehemiah prepare himself before taking action to rebuild Jerusalem? ([01:12:38])
3. What did Nehemiah request from the king, and how did he prepare for this request? ([01:15:58])
4. What was the response of the people when Nehemiah shared his vision for rebuilding Jerusalem? ([01:19:37])

### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Nehemiah's first response to the news about Jerusalem was to sit down and cry? What does this tell us about his character and priorities? ([01:03:58])
2. How does Nehemiah's persistent prayer life reflect his dependence on God? What can we learn from his example? ([01:12:38])
3. What are the potential costs of stepping out in faith to do God's work, as illustrated by Nehemiah's story? ([01:53:44])
4. How does Nehemiah's willingness to take bold action demonstrate his trust in God's provision and strength? ([01:21:10])

### Application Questions
1. Nehemiah allowed himself to feel the full weight of Jerusalem's plight. What is one issue in your community or the world that breaks your heart? How can you allow yourself to feel this burden more deeply? ([01:05:49])
2. Nehemiah's life was marked by continuous prayer. How can you incorporate more persistent and heartfelt prayer into your daily routine? ([01:14:01])
3. Stepping out in faith often comes with challenges and sacrifices. What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith, and what potential costs might you face? ([01:53:44])
4. Nehemiah took bold action after praying. What is one bold step of faith you can take this week to address an issue that burdens you? ([01:21:10])
5. Nehemiah was an ordinary man with an extraordinary burden. How can you be open to God using you, despite feeling unqualified or ordinary? ([01:24:33])
6. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by a problem. How did you respond, and how might you respond differently in the future by following Nehemiah's example of prayer and action? ([01:12:38])
7. Nehemiah's story shows the importance of community in accomplishing God's work. Who can you partner with in your church or community to address a burden that breaks your heart? ([01:19:37])

Devotional

Day 1: Embrace the Burden
Nehemiah's first response to hearing about Jerusalem's plight was to sit down and cry. He allowed himself to feel the full weight of the situation, which drove him to action. We must identify what breaks our hearts and let that burden move us to compassion and action. Nehemiah's deep emotional response to the plight of his people is a powerful example of how we should allow ourselves to be moved by the suffering and needs around us. His tears were not a sign of weakness but a catalyst for change. By embracing the burden, we open our hearts to God's calling and prepare ourselves to be used for His purposes. [01:05:49]

Nehemiah 1:4 (ESV): "As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven."

Reflection: What is one issue or situation in your community or the world that breaks your heart? How can you allow this burden to move you to compassionate action today?

Day 2: Persistent Prayer
Nehemiah's life was marked by continuous prayer. He prayed before taking any action, showing his dependence on God. Our prayers should reflect our belief in God's power and faithfulness. Persistent, heartfelt prayer is essential for any good work we undertake. Nehemiah's prayers were not just fleeting moments but a continuous dialogue with God, reflecting his deep dependence on divine guidance. His prayers were specific, heartfelt, and persistent, showing us the importance of bringing our deepest concerns to God. [01:14:01]

Nehemiah 1:11 (ESV): "O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man."

Reflection: Think of a specific concern or burden you have. How can you commit to bringing this before God in persistent, heartfelt prayer this week?

Day 3: Count the Cost
Stepping out in faith often comes with a cost. Nehemiah faced opposition, challenges, and personal sacrifices. We must be prepared for the difficulties that come with doing God's work, knowing that the impact of our obedience far outweighs the cost. Nehemiah's journey was not without its challenges. He faced opposition from those who did not want to see Jerusalem rebuilt, and he had to make personal sacrifices to fulfill God's calling. However, his unwavering faith and commitment to God's work led to transformative changes. [53:44]

Nehemiah 4:14 (ESV): "And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, 'Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.'"

Reflection: What challenges or sacrifices might you face in stepping out in faith to do God's work? How can you prepare yourself to overcome these obstacles?

Day 4: Take Bold Action
After praying, Nehemiah stood up and took action. He didn't let fear or doubt hold him back. We are called to take bold steps of faith, trusting that God will provide the resources and strength needed to accomplish His purposes. Nehemiah's boldness in approaching the king and his subsequent actions in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls demonstrate the importance of taking decisive steps of faith. His courage and determination were fueled by his trust in God's provision and guidance. [01:21:10]

Nehemiah 2:4-5 (ESV): "Then the king said to me, 'What are you requesting?' So I prayed to the God of heaven. And I said to the king, 'If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers' graves, that I may rebuild it.'"

Reflection: What bold step of faith is God calling you to take today? How can you trust Him to provide the resources and strength needed to accomplish this?

Day 5: God Uses Ordinary People
Nehemiah was an ordinary man with an extraordinary burden. God specializes in using everyday people to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. We don't need to be highly qualified; we just need to be willing and obedient. Nehemiah's story is a testament to how God can use anyone, regardless of their background or position, to fulfill His purposes. His willingness to step out in faith and obedience allowed God to work through him in remarkable ways. [01:24:33]

1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV): "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."

Reflection: In what ways do you feel ordinary or unqualified? How can you offer your willingness and obedience to God, trusting Him to use you for His extraordinary purposes?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "The God of the universe hears. Our prayers, our words. And so we place them before you, all those concerns. We place before you, Lord, those that are not feeling well in this place and those that are watching online. We place before you, Lord, those that are going through trials and tribulations, trouble at work or at home, difficulties with finances, with finding that right place, that perfect place that you have for them." [38:30] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "You are Yahweh and your name breaks in glory every morning. Father, be with us in this, our service. Allow us, Lord, for a few short moments to push out all the worries and concerns, everything that would take our minds and our eyes off of you for these few moments this morning. And let us be in your presence." [39:37] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "If one child comes to an understanding of who Christ is in their life, it's all worth it. We will not think about the price paid. We'll think about that person now coming into the kingdom of God as a child of the world will be different because you took a risk, you stepped out in faith, you gave generously of your time or your talents or your treasure, you obeyed God." [55:33] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "You don't have to be appointed by man if you are called by God. God doesn't call the qualified; he qualifies the called. That should be a huge clap because that means it doesn't matter if you have degrees behind your name. It doesn't matter. The most wise person that I had ever met in ministry was a guy named Harold Ray." [01:24:33] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "What I want to tell you, I want to tell you that you, this is for the church, this is for those of you who are Christians. If you are the best of the best, you know, you're the star athlete or teacher's pet. There are some of you out there I know are teacher's pets. And if you're a leader of people, they follow you, and you have all these great talents and things that you can do, I want you to know that God can still use you, even if you're all of those people." [49:19] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "When you give your life to God, when you say to God, all right, I want to do something that's more. I want to start a work that is so big. I remember a capital campaign that Sharon and I did. And when we started, we looked at, I crunched all the notes. I said, I want to do something that's more. I looked at the numbers. I looked at the community, the economy, and the needs of the community of the city." [52:13] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "You may be criticized, or mocked, or laughed at, in doing something that everyone else says is crazy, unachievable. You can't do that. Well, in that lieu, they're right. You can't do it. God. And I want to tell you that even with the cost, when your sacrifices make a difference in the lives of other people around you, you will never think about the cost of what God has created for you." [53:44] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "What you pray about reflects what you believe about God. You know, if you pray, you know, bless my food three times a day and in the morning you pray Lord let me have a good day and at night you say Lord thank you for the day that I had that's the minimum. The Bible tells us to pray without ceasing. That doesn't mean you close your eyes while you're driving and you whisper up a prayer." [01:17:38] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "You sit down and cry something breaks your heart you sit down and you cry about it but then there's a point where you start to do something and the first thing you do is you get on your knees and you pray to the one who has the answers has the resources has the solution and you ask him to empower you to get it done and then the third thing you do what we see from Nehemiah is you stand up and you get busy you stand up and act do something." [01:19:37] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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