Rebuilding Through Brokenness: Embracing God's Mission

Summary

Brokenness is not the end of your story. There is only one who can truly repair what is broken in our lives, and that is Jesus. No matter what rubble you see in your life—mistakes, regrets, or wounds—Jesus is the repairer of broken walls, and He rebuilds in a way that is even better than before. This truth is woven throughout the story of Nehemiah, especially in chapters 3 and 4, where we see God’s people coming together to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls, each person taking ownership of the section in front of their own home. The work begins and ends at the Sheep Gate, a powerful foreshadowing of Jesus, the Lamb of God, who would one day walk through that very gate to give His life for us.

Leadership is not about issuing commands from a distance, but about going first, setting the example, and working shoulder to shoulder with others. Nehemiah models this by having the high priest and the priests begin the work, consecrating it to God. The call is for everyone to participate, not just a select few. Even though not everyone joined in—some nobles refused to stoop to serve—the work pressed on. God doesn’t require us to be experts; He asks for our availability. The most important ability in God’s kingdom is simply being available for Him to use.

As the wall is rebuilt, opposition arises. Critics and naysayers appear, both from outside and within. Nehemiah’s response is instructive: he doesn’t get distracted by criticism or praise. Instead, he keeps his eyes on the mission, prays, and continues the work. The greater the mission, the greater the opposition—but also the greater the opportunity for God to show Himself faithful. We are reminded that external opposition is only as loud as our internal insecurities allow. Our identity in Christ must be our anchor.

The mission God gives is always bigger than any one person. It requires everyone to take ownership, to serve, to give, and to pray. At Boulder Mountain, the mission is to help people find and follow Jesus. This is not just the work of a few, but of the whole church family. Each person is invited to find their place on the wall, to own the mission, and to trust that God will fight for us as we stay faithful to what He has called us to do.

Key Takeaways

- Jesus is the true repairer of brokenness. No matter how much rubble is in your life—whether from your own choices or from what’s been done to you—Jesus specializes in rebuilding what seems beyond repair. He doesn’t just restore; He makes things better than before, turning brokenness into testimony. Trust Him with your ruins, and watch Him build something new and beautiful. [12:46]

- Leadership in God’s kingdom means going first and taking ownership. True leaders don’t just give orders; they set the example by working alongside others and taking responsibility for their part. When each person owns the section of the wall in front of their own house, the whole community is strengthened. Ownership transforms passive spectators into active participants in God’s work. [18:44]

- God calls the available, not just the qualified. The builders in Nehemiah’s day weren’t professional wall-builders; they were ordinary people who made themselves available. God doesn’t require a perfect résumé—He asks for a willing heart. Pray daily, “God, I’m available,” and trust Him to use you in ways you never imagined. [15:42]

- Opposition is inevitable when you step into God’s calling. Critics will come, sometimes from the outside, sometimes from those closest to you. Nehemiah teaches us to respond not with retaliation, but with prayer and perseverance. The greater the mission, the greater the opposition—and the greater the opportunity for God to fight for you. [26:57]

- Stay focused on the mission, not on praise or criticism. Praise can inflate your ego and criticism can paralyze your heart, but neither should distract you from what God has called you to do. Define your mission clearly, keep your eyes on Jesus, and let your identity in Him anchor you through both encouragement and adversity. [33:42]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:46] - Facing Opposition in God’s Work
[03:29] - Leadership: Going First and Setting the Example
[05:25] - The Significance of the Sheep Gate
[06:40] - Consecrating the Work to God
[07:45] - The Twelve Gates and the New Jerusalem
[10:23] - God Uses Our Rubble
[11:53] - Critics and Participation
[12:46] - The True Repairer: Jesus
[14:28] - Past Disobedience Doesn’t Disqualify
[15:42] - God Uses the Available
[16:43] - Jesus: The Builder and High Priest
[17:30] - Ownership and Leadership Lessons
[19:49] - Family and Community in the Mission
[20:51] - The Miracle of the Wall and the Arrival of Opposition
[22:03] - Personal Story: Staying the Course
[24:52] - Nehemiah’s Response to Critics
[26:57] - Expecting and Overcoming Discouragement
[28:49] - The Greater the Mission, the Greater the Opposition
[29:56] - Prayer and Perseverance
[31:09] - Internal Insecurities vs. External Critics
[32:24] - The Dangers of Praise and Mission Drift
[33:42] - Staying on Mission
[34:12] - The Power of a Clear Mission
[36:02] - Invitation to Prayer and Service
[37:49] - Closing Prayer and Next Steps
[38:50] - Final Encouragement and Farewell

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

---

### Bible Reading

- Nehemiah 3:1-5, 27-32; Nehemiah 4:1-14 (ESV)
- Hebrews 3:3-4 (ESV)
> For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses—as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself. (For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.)
- Revelation 21:12 (ESV)
> It had a great, high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed.

---

### Observation Questions

1. In Nehemiah 3, who were the first people to start rebuilding the wall, and what was the first gate they worked on? Why is this significant? [03:29]
2. According to the sermon, what kind of people were involved in rebuilding the wall? Were they professional builders? [14:28]
3. What was the response of some of the nobles when it came time to help with the work? [11:53]
4. When opposition and criticism arose in Nehemiah 4, how did Nehemiah respond? [24:52]

---

### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says Jesus is the true repairer of brokenness, and the Sheep Gate points to Him. Why do you think the story starts and ends with the Sheep Gate, and how does this connect to Jesus? [05:25]
2. The people rebuilt the wall in front of their own homes. What does this say about ownership and responsibility in God’s work? [18:44]
3. The builders were not experts, but they made themselves available. What does this teach about what God values most in those He uses? [15:42]
4. Nehemiah faced both criticism and praise. Why is it important not to let either one distract us from God’s mission? [33:42]

---

### Application Questions

1. The sermon says, “Whatever is broken in your life, it is not over. It can be rebuilt, and when it’s rebuilt, it is better than it was before.” Is there an area of your life that feels like rubble right now? What would it look like to trust Jesus to rebuild it? [12:46]
2. Nehemiah had everyone work on the section of wall in front of their own house. What is “your section of the wall” at Boulder Mountain or in your community? Where do you feel God is asking you to take ownership? [18:44]
3. The sermon says, “God doesn’t require a perfect résumé—He asks for a willing heart.” Are there ways you’ve held back from serving because you didn’t feel qualified? What would it look like to simply say, “God, I’m available”? [15:42]
4. When have you faced opposition or criticism for doing what you felt God called you to do? How did you respond, and what could you do differently next time? [26:57]
5. The pastor shared about the danger of letting praise go to your head or criticism go to your heart. Which one is more of a temptation for you? How can you keep your focus on the mission God has given you? [33:42]
6. The mission at Boulder Mountain is to help people find and follow Jesus. What is one practical step you can take this week to participate in that mission—whether through serving, giving, praying, or inviting someone? [36:02]
7. The sermon encouraged everyone to pray, “God, I’m available.” Will you commit to praying this each day this week? What do you hope God might do as you make yourself available to Him? [15:42]

---

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus is the Repairer of Brokenness
No matter what is broken in your life—whether it’s relationships, dreams, or your own sense of worth—Jesus is the one who can repair and restore. The story of Nehemiah’s wall reminds us that even when all we see is rubble, God is not finished with us. He takes what seems ruined and, through His power, rebuilds it into something stronger and more beautiful than before. When you feel like your failures or past disqualify you, remember that Jesus specializes in making all things new. He is the repairer of the broken walls in our lives, and with Him, it is never over. [12:46]

Nehemiah 3:1 (ESV)
Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the Sheep Gate. They consecrated it and set its doors. They consecrated it as far as the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Tower of Hananel.

Reflection: What is one area of your life that feels broken or beyond repair? Will you invite Jesus today to begin His work of restoration in that place?


Day 2: Consecration—Setting Apart Our Work for God
Before the people began rebuilding, they consecrated their work, setting it apart for God’s purposes. Consecration means more than just starting a project; it’s about dedicating our efforts, our time, and our hearts to be used by God. When we consecrate our work, we invite God’s presence and blessing into what we do, trusting Him to use it for His glory. Whether it’s a new ministry, a family decision, or a personal goal, begin by praying and setting it apart for God, asking Him to use it in ways beyond what you can imagine. [06:40]

Romans 12:1 (ESV)
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Reflection: What is one area of your life or work you need to intentionally set apart for God’s use this week? How will you consecrate it in prayer?


Day 3: Availability Over Ability—God Uses the Willing
God doesn’t require us to be experts or have impressive qualifications; He simply asks for our availability. In Nehemiah’s story, there were no professional wall builders—just ordinary people willing to serve. The most important ability is availability. When you say, “God, I’m available,” He can do extraordinary things through you, regardless of your background or skill set. Don’t let insecurity or a sense of inadequacy hold you back from stepping into what God is calling you to do. [16:43]

Mark 6:3 (ESV)
“Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.

Reflection: Where have you been holding back from serving or stepping out because you feel unqualified? Will you pray, “God, I’m available,” and trust Him to use you?


Day 4: Expect and Overcome Opposition
Whenever you step forward in faith to do what God has called you to do, you will face opposition—sometimes from critics, sometimes from your own insecurities. Nehemiah and his people faced ridicule, discouragement, and even threats, but they responded with prayer and perseverance. The greater the mission, the greater the opposition, but also the greater the opportunity for God to fight for you. Don’t let criticism or setbacks derail you; instead, keep your eyes on the mission and trust God to see you through. [26:15]

Nehemiah 4:1-4 (ESV)
Now when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was angry and greatly enraged, and he jeered at the Jews. And he said in the presence of his brothers and of the army of Samaria, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they restore it for themselves? Will they sacrifice? Will they finish up in a day? Will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish, and burned ones at that?” Tobiah the Ammonite was beside him, and he said, “Yes, what they are building—if a fox goes up on it he will break down their stone wall!” Hear, O our God, for we are despised. Turn back their taunt on their own heads and give them up to be plundered in a land where they are captives.

Reflection: Who or what is the main source of opposition or discouragement in your life right now? How can you respond with prayer and perseverance instead of giving up?


Day 5: Ownership—Everyone Has a Part in God’s Mission
Nehemiah led the people to take ownership of the wall by working on the section right outside their own homes. In the same way, God calls each of us to take responsibility for our part in His mission. This isn’t just the work of a few; it’s a call for everyone to participate, to see a need and step in. When you take ownership—whether in your church, your family, or your community—you invest your heart and energy, and God uses your contribution to build something lasting. [18:44]

1 Corinthians 12:14, 18 (ESV)
For the body does not consist of one member but of many… But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose.

Reflection: What is one specific way you can take ownership and actively participate in God’s work in your church or community this week?

Quotes

I would much rather have a consecrated church than a crowded church. Hear that? I love people. I want this place to be full of people. But more than that, I want it to be a consecrated place. I want it to be a place set apart for the mission of what Jesus wants to do in this place. [00:07:25] (20 seconds)  #ConsecratedOverCrowded Edit Clip

No matter who you are, no matter what you have done, no matter the regrets in your life, God's not done with you yet and he has a plan for you. He wants to use you to quote unquote build a wall. [00:11:00] (16 seconds)  #GodHasAPlanForYou Edit Clip

You may not feel like you have the position to do what God's called you to do. Let God figure that out, okay? God qualifies the called. He doesn't always call the qualified. You may feel like God's leading you to lead a small group, and you feel like, but I don't have a Bible seminary degree. That's what this looks like. You may feel like, I want to serve at the church, but I don't know what to do. Let God figure that out. [00:15:23] (27 seconds)  #GodQualifiesTheCalled Edit Clip

The most important skill when it comes to serving in the church, the most important ability is availability. That is the most important. God can take availability, and he can do anything with it. You remove availability, and you might have a lot of talent, not a lot of talent, not a lot of humility, but are you available? [00:15:50] (23 seconds)  #AvailabilityIsKey Edit Clip

The greater the opposition against you, the greater the opportunity for God to fight for you. We sang this in the worship this morning. God will fight for you. Whatever he's called you to, he is faithful. He will see you through it. But continue to do the work. Don't just sit back. Continue to do the work. [00:29:56] (21 seconds)  #GodFightsForYou Edit Clip

Pray as though it all depends on God and work as though it all depends on you. The two of those work together. If God's called you to do something, then you sweat. You put sweat equity into it. Sometimes that includes blood. Blood, sweat, and tears over to what God's called you to do. [00:30:20] (19 seconds)  #PrayAndWorkTogether Edit Clip

External opposition will only be as loud as my internal securities allow them to be. In your small groups this week, here's a question for you. What is your greater fear? Critics on the outside or my own insecurities on the inside? Because both are really powerful. [00:30:51] (22 seconds)  #InsecuritiesAmplifyOpposition Edit Clip