Embracing Burdens: The Call to Obedience
Summary
Obedience to God often begins with a burden—a deep stirring in the heart that refuses to be ignored. Nehemiah’s story is a powerful example of this. Living in comfort as the king’s cupbearer, Nehemiah was moved to tears and prayer when he heard of Jerusalem’s devastation. That burden didn’t just stay in his heart; it propelled him to action, to step out in faith and do something about the brokenness he saw. In the same way, God often places burdens in our hearts—not just dreams or ideas, but a persistent ache for something to be made right. The question is, what is that burden for you? What keeps you up at night, what stirs your spirit when you see it or hear about it? That may be God’s invitation to step into obedience.
But saying “yes” to God’s call is rarely easy. Nehemiah’s obedience drew opposition. As he began rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls, he faced attacks from outside enemies and discouragement from within his own people. The same is true for us: when we step out in faith, the enemy takes notice. The resistance we face is not a sign that we’re on the wrong path, but often confirmation that we’re making a difference. Like Nehemiah, we must learn to build with one hand and fight with the other—continuing the work God has given us while standing firm against discouragement and spiritual attack.
The story of Kevin and Theda beautifully illustrates this truth. Their burden for a child in need led them to take action, even when it meant sacrificing their comfort and facing unexpected challenges. Their journey was not easy—there were moments of exhaustion, financial strain, and emotional struggle. Yet, they refused to give up. Their faithfulness and willingness to keep showing up, to keep building and fighting, has transformed a life and created a testimony of God’s faithfulness.
God’s work moves forward through those who refuse to quit, who lean not on their own strength but on His. The journey will have highs and lows, but God equips those He calls. He is always working behind the scenes, orchestrating details we cannot see. The invitation is to trust Him, to act on the burden He’s placed in your heart, and to rely on His strength every step of the way.
Key Takeaways
- Obedience often starts with a burden, not a blueprint. When God wants to move us, He often places a persistent ache or concern in our hearts that we can’t shake. This burden is not just a feeling—it’s an invitation to partner with God in His redemptive work. Pay attention to what stirs your spirit, as it may be the very thing God is calling you to address. [47:54]
- Your “yes” to God will draw opposition, because the enemy fears what your obedience will unlock. When you step out to do what God has placed in your heart, expect resistance—not just from outside, but sometimes from those closest to you. This is not a sign to quit, but a reminder that your obedience matters and is making an impact in the spiritual realm. [01:06:32]
- Faithfulness is forged in the tension between building and battling. Like Nehemiah, we are called to keep working on what God has given us, even as we face challenges and attacks. The ability to persevere—to build with one hand and fight with the other—develops a resilient faith that can withstand adversity and see God’s purposes fulfilled. [01:06:32]
- God’s work is carried forward by those who refuse to give up, even when the cost is high. The stories of Nehemiah and of Kevin and Theda show that breakthrough comes to those who persist through hardship, disappointment, and fatigue. Refusing to quit, even when it would be easier to walk away, is often the very thing God uses to bring about transformation and testimony. [01:13:00]
- God equips those He calls, often in ways we don’t expect. When you step out in obedience, you may not feel ready or have all the answers, but God provides what you need along the way. Trust that He is working behind the scenes, orchestrating details and preparing you for what’s ahead—your weakness is an opportunity for His strength to shine. [01:18:00]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Guest Introduction and Free Gift
[02:30] - Setting the Stage: Nehemiah’s Context
[05:00] - The Burden of Nehemiah
[08:20] - Obedience Begins with a Burden
[13:00] - Kevin and Theda’s Story: Responding to a Need
[18:30] - What Is Your Burden?
[22:00] - “But God” Moments
[25:00] - Nehemiah’s Action and the Power of One
[29:00] - Your Yes Will Draw Fire
[34:00] - Building and Battling: Persevering Through Opposition
[40:00] - The Cost of Obedience
[45:00] - God’s Faithfulness in Our Weakness
[50:00] - Invitation to Respond and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Obedience Begins with a Burden
*(Based on the sermon summary and transcript above)*
---
### Bible Reading
Nehemiah 1:2-4 (ESV)
> "…And I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that had survived the exile and also about Jerusalem. They said to me, 'The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.' 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."
Nehemiah 4:15-18 (ESV)
> "When our enemies heard that it was known to us and that God had frustrated their plan, we all returned to the wall, each to his work. From that day on, half of my servants worked on construction, and half held the spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail. And the leaders stood behind the whole house of Judah, who were building on the wall. Those who carried burdens were loaded in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and held his weapon with the other. And each of the builders had his sword strapped at his side while he built."
Nehemiah 6:9 (ESV)
> "For they all wanted to frighten us, thinking, 'Their hands will drop from the work, and it will not be done.' But now, O God, strengthen my hands."
---
### Observation Questions
1. What was Nehemiah’s initial reaction when he heard about the condition of Jerusalem and its people? ([05:00])
2. According to Nehemiah 4:15-18, how did the people respond to opposition while rebuilding the wall?
3. In the sermon, what specific burden did Kevin and Theda feel, and how did it move them to action? ([13:00])
4. What did Nehemiah pray for in Nehemiah 6:9 when he faced discouragement and threats?
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the sermon say that obedience often begins with a burden rather than a clear plan? How does this challenge the way people usually expect God to lead them? ([47:54])
2. The sermon mentions that saying “yes” to God’s call will draw opposition. Why do you think the enemy “fears what your obedience will unlock”? ([01:06:32])
3. What does it mean to “build with one hand and fight with the other” in the context of following God’s call? How might this look in someone’s everyday life? ([01:06:32])
4. How does Nehemiah’s prayer for strength in Nehemiah 6:9 reflect the way God equips those He calls? ([01:18:00])
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon asks, “What is burdening your heart? What is something that is on your mind today that maybe you’ve been thinking about for the last week, month, year, years?” Take a moment to reflect: Is there a persistent ache or concern that you can’t shake? How might God be inviting you to act on it? ([18:30])
2. Kevin and Theda didn’t just feel a burden—they took action, even though it cost them comfort and brought challenges. Is there a situation in your life where you’ve felt a burden but hesitated to act? What’s holding you back? ([13:00])
3. The sermon says, “Your yes will draw fire because the enemy fears what it unlocks.” Have you ever experienced resistance or discouragement after stepping out in faith? How did you respond, and what did you learn from it? ([01:06:32])
4. Nehemiah and the people had to “build with one hand and fight with the other.” In your current season, what does it look like for you to keep building (serving, loving, obeying) even while facing challenges or opposition? ([01:06:32])
5. The story of Kevin and Theda shows that breakthrough comes to those who persist through hardship. Is there an area where you’ve been tempted to give up? What would it look like to “refuse to quit” and trust God to work behind the scenes? ([01:13:00])
6. The sermon says, “God equips those He calls, often in ways we don’t expect.” Do you feel unprepared or inadequate for something you sense God calling you to do? How can you rely on God’s strength instead of your own? ([01:18:00])
7. Sometimes, like Nehemiah, we need to ask for help and not try to do everything alone. Is there someone you need to invite into your journey or burden? What step could you take this week to reach out for support? ([01:18:00])
---
Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for clarity about the burdens God has placed on their hearts, courage to act in obedience, and strength to persevere through challenges. Ask God to equip each person for the work He is calling them to do.
Devotional
Day 1: Obedience Often Begins with a Burden
God often stirs our hearts with a deep burden before He calls us to act. When something weighs heavily on your mind—when you wake up and go to sleep thinking about it, when you see a need and feel compelled to respond—this may be God’s way of inviting you into His work. Nehemiah’s story began not with a grand vision, but with a broken heart for his people and city. He wept, mourned, fasted, and prayed, allowing the burden to move him toward obedience. What is God placing on your heart that you can no longer ignore? [47:54]
Nehemiah 1:2-4 (ESV)
"Hanani, one of my brothers, came with certain men from Judah. And I asked them concerning the Jews who escaped, who had survived the exile, and concerning Jerusalem. And they said to me, 'The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.' 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 burden God has placed on your heart that you have not acted on yet? What is one small step you can take today to respond to that burden?
Day 2: Your Yes Will Draw Fire Because the Enemy Fears What It Unlocks
When you step out in obedience to God’s call, opposition often follows. Nehemiah’s commitment to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls was met with threats and attacks, both from outside enemies and from within his own people. Yet, he pressed on, working with one hand and defending with the other. The enemy notices when you begin to live out your God-given purpose, but remember, God is greater than any opposition you face. Don’t be discouraged by resistance; let it remind you that your obedience matters. [01:06:32]
Nehemiah 4:15-18 (ESV)
"When our enemies heard that it was known to us and that God had frustrated their plan, we all returned to the wall, each to his work. From that day on, half of my servants worked on construction, and half held the spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail. And the leaders stood behind the whole house of Judah, who were building on the wall. Those who carried burdens were loaded in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and held his weapon with the other. And each of the builders had his sword strapped at his side while he built. The man who sounded the trumpet was beside me."
Reflection: Where have you experienced resistance or discouragement after saying “yes” to God? How can you lean into God’s strength and keep building despite the opposition?
Day 3: God’s Work Is Carried Forward by Those Who Refuse to Give Up
Perseverance is essential in fulfilling God’s calling. Nehemiah and those who rebuilt the wall faced ongoing challenges, but they refused to give up. In your own life, whether in relationships, ministry, or personal growth, there will be moments when quitting seems easier. But God honors those who persist, who choose to love, serve, and build even when it’s hard. Your faithfulness, even in the face of setbacks, is a testimony to God’s sustaining power and can inspire others to keep going. [01:13:40]
Galatians 6:9 (ESV)
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."
Reflection: Think of an area where you’ve been tempted to give up. What would it look like to choose perseverance and trust God for strength today?
Day 4: Who God Calls, He Equips
God never calls you to a task without also providing what you need to accomplish it. Nehemiah prayed for strength, and God supplied it; Kevin and Theda found themselves equipped for a calling they never expected. When you feel inadequate or unprepared, remember that God’s power is made perfect in your weakness. Lean on Him, ask for His help, and trust that He will provide the resources, people, and wisdom you need to fulfill your calling. [01:18:00]
Nehemiah 6:9 (ESV)
"For they all wanted to frighten us, thinking, 'Their hands will drop from the work, and it will not be done.' But now, O God, strengthen my hands."
Reflection: Where do you feel unqualified or under-equipped for what God is asking you to do? How can you invite God to strengthen and equip you today?
Day 5: Do Something About the Burden God Has Placed in You
It’s not enough to simply feel a burden—God calls you to act. Nehemiah didn’t just mourn for Jerusalem; he rallied others, made plans, and got to work. Likewise, you are invited to move from concern to action, trusting that God will guide and empower you. Sometimes you may need to ask for help, lean on your community, or take a step of faith even when the outcome is uncertain. Don’t let fear or inadequacy hold you back—God is with you as you step out. [01:20:08]
James 2:17 (ESV)
"So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
Reflection: What is one practical action you can take this week to address the burden God has placed on your heart? Who can you invite to join you or support you in this step?
Quotes
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Jul 21, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?