What steps can you take to actively support your spiritual community like Nehemiah? Nehemiah’s First Move: Eyes Open and Heart Engaged “Hanani, one of my brothers, and some men from Judah came, and I asked them about the Jews who had survived the exile and about Jerusalem.” (Nehemiah 1:2) Seeing the Need—Ask and Listen • Nehemiah starts by asking. Supporting your church family begins the same way. • Walk the halls on Sunday, sit with leaders over coffee, ask youth, elderly, newcomers: “How are we really doing?” • Proverbs 18:13 reminds us, “He who answers before listening—this is folly and shame to him.” • Accurate information prevents vague concern and fuels targeted ministry. Let Compassion Grip Your Heart • “When I heard these words, I sat down and wept.” (Nehemiah 1:4) • Allow reports of spiritual or physical need to move you emotionally. • Romans 12:15: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.” • Tears precede action; a numb heart rarely builds walls. Pray and Fast Before Moving • Nehemiah fasted “for days.” He clears the calendar to clear his soul. • Follow-up projects with seasons of focused intercession: a skipped lunch each week, a congregational fast, an overnight prayer chain. • Philippians 4:6 keeps the balance—supplication mixed with thanksgiving. Stand on God’s Promises • Nehemiah recites Deuteronomy back to God (Nehemiah 1:8-9). • Anchor church goals to explicit promises—Matthew 28:20 (“I am with you always”), Acts 1:8 (power to witness). Confess and Clean House • “We have sinned against You.” (Nehemiah 1:6-7) • Personal repentance keeps motives pure. Corporate repentance opens the floodgates of blessing. • 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just…” Volunteer to Be Sent • “Send me.” (Nehemiah 2:5) • Instead of praying, “Lord, raise someone up,” pray, “Use me—my schedule, my tools, my hands.” • Sign up for a ministry slot, offer professional skills, mentor a teen. Plan, Prepare, and Gather Resources • Nehemiah requests letters, timber, and safe passage (Nehemiah 2:7-8). • Draft budgets, secure approvals, build timelines. • Thoughtful logistics honor God and make volunteers’ efforts fruitful. Invite Others into the Vision • “Come, let us rebuild.” (Nehemiah 2:17-18) • Cast vision from the pulpit, small groups, social media. • Ephesians 4:16: every ligament—every member—supplies something essential. Work Diligently Despite Opposition • “The people had a mind to work.” (Nehemiah 4:6) • Criticism, bureaucracy, or spiritual attack will surface. Keep working, keep praying (Nehemiah 4:9). • Celebrate progress; it fuels perseverance. Protect Unity and Care for the Vulnerable • Nehemiah confronts economic injustice (Nehemiah 5:1-13). • Guard against cliques, gossip, or neglect of any demographic. • Share resources so no brother or sister is overburdened. Lead by Sacrificial Example • Nehemiah forgoes the governor’s allowance (Nehemiah 5:14-19). • Leaders give first, serve first, arrive early, leave late. The flock follows the shepherd’s pace. Finish Well and Give Glory to God • “The wall was completed … in fifty-two days.” (Nehemiah 6:15) • Celebrate milestones publicly; thank every worker and, above all, the Lord. • Testimonies of finished projects inspire faith for the next assignment. Putting It All Together Ask, feel, pray, repent, volunteer, plan, rally, work, protect, model, and finish. Those eleven moves, lived out daily, turn concern into concrete support—just like the cupbearer who became Jerusalem’s builder. |
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