Rebuilding with Prayer: Lessons from Nehemiah
Summary
### Summary
Today, we embark on a new series on the book of Nehemiah, a profound narrative that speaks to the heart of rebuilding what is broken with God's guidance. Nehemiah, a cupbearer to the king in Babylon, learns of the desolate state of Jerusalem and is deeply moved. His story begins with a broken heart, mourning, fasting, and praying to God. Nehemiah's journey teaches us that before we can rebuild, we must first understand the gravity of our brokenness and cry out to God.
Nehemiah's vision is fueled by prayer and a deep understanding of God's faithfulness. He acknowledges the sins of Israel and himself, reminding God of His covenant and love. This humility and recognition of God's sovereignty are crucial as Nehemiah prepares to take bold yet humble action. When the opportunity arises, Nehemiah prays before speaking to the king, demonstrating that a God-given vision is sustained by prayer long before it is acted upon.
Nehemiah's boldness is tempered with humility. He does not assume success but seeks the king's favor, understanding that it is God's gracious hand that grants success. This balance of humility and boldness is essential for us as we seek to rebuild our lives and our church. We must trust God, take steps of faith, and act with humility, knowing that it is God's hand that will guide and provide.
As we reflect on Nehemiah's story, we are reminded of God's faithfulness in our own church. From the parsonage update to new stoves, community outreach, an all-church mission trip, and growth in our online presence, God has been faithful. As we move forward, we must continue to cry out to God, bathe our plans in prayer, and trust Him every step of the way. Let us commit to praying and courageously moving forward together, seeking God's guidance and trusting in His faithfulness.
### Key Takeaways
1. Understanding Brokenness: Nehemiah's journey begins with a broken heart for the state of Jerusalem. Before we can rebuild, we must first understand the gravity of our brokenness and cry out to God. This acknowledgment is the first step towards healing and restoration. [09:40]
2. Prayer as the Foundation: Nehemiah's vision is fueled by prayer and a deep understanding of God's faithfulness. He acknowledges the sins of Israel and himself, reminding God of His covenant and love. This humility and recognition of God's sovereignty are crucial as we prepare to take bold action. [13:11]
3. Bold Yet Humble Action: When the opportunity arises, Nehemiah prays before speaking to the king, demonstrating that a God-given vision is sustained by prayer long before it is acted upon. This balance of humility and boldness is essential for us as we seek to rebuild our lives and our church. [17:05]
4. Trusting in God's Provision: Nehemiah does not assume success but seeks the king's favor, understanding that it is God's gracious hand that grants success. We must trust God, take steps of faith, and act with humility, knowing that it is God's hand that will guide and provide. [18:56]
5. Reflecting on God's Faithfulness: As we reflect on Nehemiah's story, we are reminded of God's faithfulness in our own church. From the parsonage update to new stoves, community outreach, an all-church mission trip, and growth in our online presence, God has been faithful. Let us continue to cry out to God, bathe our plans in prayer, and trust Him every step of the way. [22:49]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:04] - Introduction to Nehemiah
[03:35] - Nehemiah's Prayer
[05:03] - Nehemiah's Bold Request
[06:35] - The Importance of City Walls
[08:06] - Personal Protections Against Sin
[09:40] - Understanding Brokenness
[11:32] - A Vision Fueled by Prayer
[13:11] - God's Call to Repentance
[15:25] - Bold Yet Humble Action
[17:05] - Nehemiah's Humble Approach
[18:56] - Trusting in God's Provision
[20:58] - Moving from Prayer to Action
[22:49] - Reflecting on God's Faithfulness
[24:24] - Parsonage Update
[26:07] - New Stoves and Community Outreach
[27:41] - All-Church Mission Trip
[29:41] - Online Presence Growth
[31:24] - Commitment to Prayer and Action
[33:06] - Moving Forward Together
[34:51] - Final Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Nehemiah 1:1-11 - Nehemiah's prayer and mourning for Jerusalem.
2. Nehemiah 2:1-8 - Nehemiah's bold request to King Artaxerxes.
### Observation Questions
1. What was Nehemiah's initial reaction upon hearing about the state of Jerusalem? ([03:35])
2. How did Nehemiah prepare himself before making his request to the king? ([05:03])
3. What specific actions did Nehemiah take to ensure he had the king's favor and support? ([17:05])
4. How does Nehemiah acknowledge God's role in his success? ([18:56])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Nehemiah's vision began with a broken heart and prayer? How does this set the foundation for his actions? ([09:40])
2. How does Nehemiah balance humility and boldness in his approach to the king? What can we learn from this balance in our own lives? ([17:05])
3. In what ways does Nehemiah's acknowledgment of God's faithfulness influence his actions and decisions? ([13:11])
4. How does Nehemiah's story reflect the importance of trusting in God's provision while taking practical steps? ([18:56])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt broken or in need of rebuilding. How did you respond, and how might Nehemiah's example of mourning, fasting, and praying guide you in similar situations? ([09:40])
2. Nehemiah's vision was fueled by prayer. How can you incorporate more prayer into your daily life to seek God's guidance and strength? ([13:11])
3. Nehemiah took bold yet humble action when the opportunity arose. Is there an area in your life where you need to take a bold step of faith? How can you ensure that your actions are also humble? ([17:05])
4. Trusting in God's provision is crucial. Are there areas in your life where you struggle to trust God? How can you remind yourself of His faithfulness and provision? ([18:56])
5. Reflect on the ways God has been faithful in your life and in our church. How can remembering these instances of faithfulness encourage you to trust Him more in the future? ([22:49])
6. Nehemiah's story emphasizes the importance of community and collective action. How can you contribute to rebuilding and strengthening our church community? ([33:06])
7. As we move forward as a church, what specific steps can you take to commit to praying and courageously moving forward together with us? ([34:51])
Devotional
Day 1: Recognizing Our Brokenness
Nehemiah's journey begins with a broken heart for the state of Jerusalem. He is deeply moved by the desolation of his homeland, leading him to mourn, fast, and pray. This initial step of acknowledging the gravity of brokenness is crucial for any rebuilding process. Before we can move forward, we must first understand and accept the areas in our lives that are in disrepair. This acknowledgment is not about wallowing in despair but about recognizing our need for God's intervention and healing. Nehemiah's response to the brokenness around him sets the stage for the restoration that follows. [09:40]
Nehemiah 1:3-4 (ESV): "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 areas of your life feel broken or in need of repair? Take a moment to acknowledge these areas and bring them before God in prayer, asking for His guidance and healing.
Day 2: Prayer as the Foundation
Nehemiah's vision for rebuilding Jerusalem is deeply rooted in prayer and a profound understanding of God's faithfulness. He begins by acknowledging the sins of Israel and himself, reminding God of His covenant and steadfast love. This act of humility and recognition of God's sovereignty is essential as we prepare to take bold actions in our own lives. Nehemiah's story teaches us that prayer is not just a preliminary step but the foundation upon which our visions and actions should be built. It is through prayer that we align ourselves with God's will and draw strength for the journey ahead. [13:11]
Nehemiah 1:5-6 (ESV): "And I said, 'O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father's house have sinned.'"
Reflection: How can you incorporate more intentional prayer into your daily routine? Consider setting aside specific times each day to pray and seek God's guidance for the areas you wish to rebuild.
Day 3: Bold Yet Humble Action
When the opportunity arises, Nehemiah prays before speaking to the king, demonstrating that a God-given vision is sustained by prayer long before it is acted upon. This balance of humility and boldness is essential for us as we seek to rebuild our lives and our church. Nehemiah does not rush into action but carefully seeks God's guidance and the king's favor, understanding that success comes from God's gracious hand. This teaches us the importance of taking bold steps of faith while maintaining a posture of humility and dependence on God. [17:05]
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? How can you ensure that your actions are rooted in humility and prayerful dependence on God?
Day 4: Trusting in God's Provision
Nehemiah does not assume success but seeks the king's favor, understanding that it is God's gracious hand that grants success. This teaches us the importance of trusting in God's provision and guidance as we take steps of faith. We must act with humility, knowing that it is God's hand that will guide and provide for us. Nehemiah's story reminds us that our efforts are not solely dependent on our abilities but on God's faithfulness and provision. As we trust in Him, we can move forward with confidence, knowing that He will supply all our needs. [18:56]
Nehemiah 2:8 (ESV): "And the king granted me what I asked, for the good hand of my God was upon me."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to trust God's provision more fully? Reflect on how you can rely on His faithfulness and take steps of faith with confidence.
Day 5: Reflecting on God's Faithfulness
As we reflect on Nehemiah's story, we are reminded of God's faithfulness in our own church and lives. From the parsonage update to new stoves, community outreach, an all-church mission trip, and growth in our online presence, God has been faithful. This reflection encourages us to continue crying out to God, bathing our plans in prayer, and trusting Him every step of the way. By remembering God's past faithfulness, we can find the courage and strength to move forward together, seeking His guidance and trusting in His provision for the future. [22:49]
Nehemiah 9:17 (ESV): "They refused to obey and were not mindful of the wonders that you performed among them, but they stiffened their neck and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt. But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and did not forsake them."
Reflection: How has God shown His faithfulness in your life and in the life of your church? Take time to thank Him for His past faithfulness and ask for His continued guidance and provision as you move forward.
Quotes
1. "Nehemiah started, with a broken heart. Nehemiah's vision about doing something starts with being broken. In verse, or chapter one, verse four, it says, when I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. Often before we get to a place where we can do something to help rebuild our protections, we need to understand the gravity, of the situation." [09:40] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "A vision from God often starts with a broken heart for what breaks his. This book, right here, that we're reading out of, it's filled of what breaks God's heart. And do we look at this book, read this book, and say, ah, man, this is breaking my heart because it breaks his. Or our heart's just broken because, well, it just stinks for us. It's difficult. But we need to be broken for what breaks God's heart. And if we do that, God will hear." [11:32] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Nehemiah's vision was fueled by prayer and knowing God's faithfulness. In that section where he's crying out to God and saying, how? They've sinned against him and others, and just kind of saying, we've done it to ourselves. We are the people who have done it against you. He also reminds God of his faithfulness in himself as well. He continues in verse 5. Then I said, O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands." [13:11] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "A God-given vision is sustained by prayer long before it's ever acted upon. But if I'm being honest, I like to act. I like to go. I like to get things done, see a problem, address it, solve it. And I can be honest with you, I've been guilty of moving before I've ever bathed it in prayer. I don't cry out to God as much as I should. I go, oh, I know the solution. I'll go do this. You know what? More times than not, it doesn't work out because it's my solution. I'm the one calling the shots. I'm the one doing what I want to do." [13:11] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Nehemiah's vision took shape through bold action. Bold yet humble action in reality. See, when he had an opportunity to act, he trusted God enough to do it. In the second chapter, in Nehemiah 2, 3, and 4, he said this, but I said to the king, after the king questioned why he was so sad, may the king live forever. Why should my face not look sad? When the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire, the king said to me, what is it you want? Then I prayed to the God of heaven." [15:25] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "How we act is just about as important as when we act. Say that again, how we act is just as important as when or the way we act. What posture do we come in? Do we come in ruling and reigning like the world's kings or do we humbly come like a servant like our king? We need to be honest with ourselves and we need to be honest with ourselves that we are not God and we should never presume we are even if we get a word from God we humbly move forward." [18:56] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my request. I'll say it again because the gracious hand of my God was on me, the king granted my request. Not because I had such a great argument, not because I had scripture on my side, not because I was right but because the gracious hand of God was on me. Nehemiah was humble yet bold and I think we mix that up sometimes that we think if we're bold we need to be arrogant believe it right fake it till you make it but in reality God's calling us to be humbly bold trusting him taking a step of faith." [18:56] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "I believe that a vision from God it moves from prayer to bold but not arrogant action trusting that God will provide what is needed every step of the way and in our passage here we see that Nehemiah had a plan he has an idea he's asking for supplies he's asking for safe passage he's not just willy nilly going into this he's prayed it out maybe God has shared these things with him we don't know but the plan is in place but yet he says because the gracious hand of my God was on me not because my plan made sense not because I had found favor with the king of Babylon it is because the gracious hand of God the Father Almighty was on him that he found success." [20:58] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "I know many of you guys your hearts are broken because this place isn't what it once was the walls of Jerusalem were broken down Nehemiah started this process and this vision and this journey to rebuild the walls and we're in this process of rebuilding here and I pray we look back at a year two three four five however long and go wow that was the moment that things started to change that we trusted we cried out to him we we took a step of faith and he moved that'd be awesome we worshiped that God join us in crying out to him." [36:55] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "I believe God's hand is on this place and these people and he wants to use us for the kingdom of God but we can never forget the one who is with us calling us it can never be about us we should not be look at how great we are we should say look at how great our God is his hand has been on us I know this church isn't what it once was this place doesn't have the pews overflowing many churches don't and I don't know if it ever will again I'm not going to be taking presumptions that I have a vision from God but I do know this so we don't trust him and boldly go where he's leading us it never will happen." [36:55] (66 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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