Finishing Strong: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Impact

Today’s focus is on the power of finishing strong and the reality that God delights in using ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. Looking at the life of Nehemiah, a man with no special status or resources, we see how a simple burden for his people led to a movement that changed a nation. Nehemiah’s story is a reminder that God is not looking for the most gifted or the most prominent, but for those who are willing to be moved by compassion, to get involved, and to persevere through adversity.

As Nehemiah and his people neared the completion of Jerusalem’s wall, opposition didn’t fade—it intensified. The closer we get to fulfilling God’s purpose, the more relentless the enemy becomes. The tactics used against Nehemiah are the same ones we face today: distraction and discredit. Distraction often comes not through obvious threats, but through small, seemingly insignificant things that, left unchecked, erode our focus and effectiveness. Sometimes, even good things can become distractions if they pull us away from the best things God has called us to do. Prioritization is essential; we must be clear about our mission and say no to what doesn’t align with it.

Discredit is the enemy’s next weapon. When distraction fails, he resorts to rumors, criticism, and attempts to undermine our character. Nehemiah’s response was not to defend himself endlessly, but to let his work and integrity speak for themselves. He refused to be derailed by false accusations or to give his enemies ammunition by compromising his own values. The greatest threat is not always external; often, it’s the internal seeds of pride, entitlement, or compromise that, if left unchecked, can destroy what God is building through us.

The story concludes with a powerful reminder: the wall was finished in just 52 days, a feat so miraculous that even the enemies of Israel recognized God’s hand in it. The ripple effect of one person’s obedience can change countless lives. Like the unknown usher who made room for two boys at a revival—one of whom was Billy Graham—our willingness to serve in small, unseen ways can have eternal impact. Our calling is not to change the whole world, but to be faithful where we are, trusting God to multiply our efforts for His glory.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The Closer You Get, the Harder the Enemy Fights When you are on the verge of fulfilling God’s purpose, expect resistance to intensify. Opposition is not a sign you’re on the wrong path; often, it’s confirmation that you’re doing exactly what God wants. The enemy doesn’t relent as you near the finish line—he doubles down, seeking to derail you at the most critical moments. Perseverance in these times is a mark of spiritual maturity and faithfulness. [16:50]
• 2. Beware the Subtle Power of Small Distractions It’s rarely the obvious, dramatic threats that take us out; more often, it’s the accumulation of small, seemingly harmless distractions. These can be as simple as neglecting intentionality in relationships or allowing minor habits to erode our focus. Over time, these “small foxes” can destroy the vineyard of our lives and ministries. Vigilance in the little things is essential to finishing well. [21:10]
• 3. Good Things Can Be the Enemy of the Best Things Not every opportunity is a calling. There are countless good things we could do, but if we try to do everything, we risk missing the specific mission God has given us. Discernment and prioritization are acts of obedience; saying “no” to lesser things allows us to say a resounding “yes” to God’s best. This principle applies to churches, families, and individuals alike. [23:48]
• 4. Let Your Work and Character Speak Louder Than Criticism When faced with rumors, slander, or attempts to discredit, resist the urge to defend yourself endlessly. Instead, let your consistent work, integrity, and faithfulness be your answer. Nehemiah’s refusal to be distracted by critics and his greater determination in the face of opposition is a model for us all. Our lives should be so rooted in God’s purpose that no accusation can stick. [32:10]
• 5. Guard Your Heart—The Greatest Threat Is Often Internal The enemy’s most devastating attacks often come through seeds of pride, entitlement, or compromise that grow within us. Guarding your heart is more important than guarding your reputation or achievements. Stay humble, keep your eyes on God, and refuse to give the enemy any foothold through unaddressed sin or ego. The legacy of your life will be determined by what you allow to take root in your heart. [33:36]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [02:10] - Celebrating New Campuses and Outreach
• [04:30] - Upcoming “Whisper” Series Preview
• [07:00] - Recap: Ordinary World Changers Series
• [09:15] - Nehemiah’s Background and Burden
• [12:00] - The Power of an Ordinary Life
• [14:30] - The Challenge of Finishing Strong
• [16:50] - The Enemy’s Relentless Opposition
• [19:00] - Distraction: The Subtle Tactic
• [21:10] - Small Things That Derail Big Purposes
• [23:48] - Good Things vs. Best Things
• [27:58] - The Tactic of Discredit
• [30:03] - Responding to Rumors and Criticism
• [32:10] - Letting Your Work Speak
• [33:36] - Guarding Your Heart and Finishing Well
• [37:34] - The Miracle of Completion
• [38:40] - The Ripple Effect of Faithfulness
• [41:54] - Serving Where You Are—Changing Someone’s World

Bible Reading

Nehemiah 6:1-16 (ESV) — > Now when Sanballat and Tobiah and Geshem the Arab and the rest of our enemies heard that I had built the wall and that there was no breach left in it (although up to that time I had not set up the doors in the gates), Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, “Come and let us meet together at Hakkephirim in the plain of Ono.” But they intended to do me harm. And I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?” And they sent to me four times in this way, and I answered them in the same manner. In the same way Sanballat for the fifth time sent his servant to me with an open letter in his hand. In it was written, “It is reported among the nations, and Geshem also says it, that you and the Jews intend to rebel; that is why you are building the wall. And according to these reports you wish to become their king. And you have also set up prophets to proclaim concerning you in Jerusalem, ‘There is a king in Judah.’ And now the king will hear of these reports. So now come and let us take counsel together.” Then I sent to him, saying, “No such things as you say have been done, for you are inventing them out of your own mind.” 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. ... So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days. And when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem, for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God.

Proverbs 4:23-27 (ESV) — > Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you. Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.

Observation Questions

1. What were the two main tactics Nehemiah’s enemies used to try to stop the work on the wall? ([16:50])
2. How did Nehemiah respond when his enemies tried to distract him from his work? ([16:50])
3. What was the significance of the “open letter” that Sanballat sent to Nehemiah? ([30:03])
4. According to Proverbs 4, what are we told to guard above all else, and why? ([33:36])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think the enemy’s opposition intensified as Nehemiah and the people got closer to finishing the wall? What does this suggest about spiritual resistance in our own lives? ([16:50])
2. The sermon mentioned that “good things can be the enemy of the best things.” How can we discern between good opportunities and the specific mission God has given us? ([23:48])
3. Nehemiah chose not to defend himself endlessly against rumors and criticism. What does this teach us about handling false accusations or attacks on our character? ([32:10])
4. The sermon highlighted that the greatest threat is often internal, not external. How can pride, entitlement, or compromise quietly undermine our faithfulness? ([33:36])

Application Questions

1. Can you identify a time in your life when you experienced more resistance or distraction as you got closer to completing something you felt God called you to do? How did you respond? ([16:50])
2. What are some “small distractions” in your daily life that could be quietly eroding your focus or effectiveness? What practical steps can you take this week to address one of them? ([21:10])
3. Are there any “good things” in your schedule or commitments that might actually be keeping you from the “best things” God is calling you to focus on? What might you need to say “no” to in order to say a stronger “yes” to God’s purpose? ([23:48])
4. When you face criticism or rumors, do you tend to defend yourself, withdraw, or let your work and character speak for themselves? What would it look like for you to follow Nehemiah’s example in your current situation? ([32:10])
5. The sermon emphasized guarding your heart above all else. What is one area of your heart (pride, entitlement, bitterness, etc.) that you sense needs more attention or surrender to God right now? ([33:36])
6. The story of the unknown usher who made room for Billy Graham and Grady Wilson shows how small acts of faithfulness can have a huge impact. Is there a “small” way you can serve or make a difference this week, even if no one else notices? ([38:40])
7. The wall was finished in 52 days—a miracle that even the enemies recognized as God’s work. Where in your life do you need to trust God for a “miraculous” outcome if you stay faithful and finish strong? ([37:34])