How can we encourage others to join in God's work like Nehemiah did? Seeing the Verse in Context “I also told them about the hand of my God upon me, and what the king had said to me. So they said, ‘Let us start rebuilding,’ and they set their hands to this good work.” (Nehemiah 2:18) Why Nehemiah’s Approach Worked • He spoke of God’s hand first, his own plans second. • He shared a recent, concrete testimony of divine favor (the king’s permission). • He used inclusive language—“us,” “we,” “our.” • He ended with a clear, doable action: rebuild. Result: the people “set their hands to this good work.” Ways We Can Encourage Others the Same Way 1. Speak of God’s Faithfulness • Point to specific answers to prayer or open doors, just as Nehemiah did. • Psalm 66:16—“Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will declare what He has done for my soul.” • Testimony turns abstract vision into tangible reality. 2. Connect God’s Hand to Today’s Opportunity • Show how current needs align with Scripture’s promises. • Philippians 1:6—“He who began a good work in you will complete it.” • People rally when they see continuity between Bible truth and present calling. 3. Use Inclusive, Action-Oriented Language • Replace “I need volunteers” with “Let us rise up and build.” • Hebrews 10:24—“Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good works.” • Unity moves hearts more than individual appeal. 4. Present Clear Next Steps • Break down the work into practical tasks—just as Nehemiah later assigned wall sections. • Proverbs 16:3—“Commit your works to the LORD, and your plans will be established.” • Clarity removes hesitation. 5. Model Courage and Humility • Nehemiah personally inspected the walls before speaking (Nehemiah 2:13-15). • 1 Peter 5:3—“Not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” • When leaders serve first, others follow gladly. 6. Highlight God’s Provision, Not Human Resources • Nehemiah referenced the king only after emphasizing God’s hand. • 2 Corinthians 3:5—“Our competence comes from God.” • Confidence in divine supply fuels bold participation. 7. Anticipate Opposition, Promise God’s Support • Nehemiah faced Sanballat and Tobiah immediately (Nehemiah 2:19-20). • Romans 8:31—“If God is for us, who can be against us?” • Preparing people for resistance prevents discouragement. 8. Celebrate Progress Openly • Later chapters record completed sections and family names, affirming effort. • 1 Thessalonians 5:11—“Encourage one another and build one another up.” • Recognition multiplies motivation. Putting It All Together • Start with testimony of God’s recent work. • Show biblical alignment with the task ahead. • Invite using “we” language and give a concrete first step. • Lead by example, trust God’s provision, brace for opposition, and celebrate every gain. Follow Nehemiah’s pattern, and like him you’ll hear, “Let us start rebuilding,” as hearts unite in God’s good work. |
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