Read Nehemiah 4:14-23 . In rebuilding the wall, the Israelites were challenged by an outside enemy who didn't want them to complete their God given mission. Instead of running away or giving up on the project, Nehemiah encouraged them to stand firm and refuse to be intimidated by this threat.
• Describe a time you refused to back down or give up even when a job or task became difficult? Why did you persevere?
Read Psalm 127:1 and Romans 8:31-32 . The first thing Nehemiah did was to encourage the Israelites to remember God and stand in God's power. There is something about remembering God and all that God has done for you that allows you to believe and stand firm in the faith that God will take care of you and the plans God has called you to do.
• Describe a time you literally went from fear to faith because you put your trust in God's hands.
• Have you seen God's power at work in your life lately? Explain.
Not only did Nehemiah encourage the people to trust in God, he secondly pushed the people to faithfully stand for the purposes of God by continuing to rebuild the wall. Amazingly, even under heavy opposition, the Israelites didn't back down but continued to work on the wall, and even at a greater pace. This is called having a one thing focus. When you have a one thing focus, you make no room for compromise, quitting too soon or giving in. Read Philippians 3:12-14.
• What is a “one thing” focus you have in your life right now? Has God ever used your “one thing” focus to build people or the Kingdom of God?
• When do you find you are most susceptible to the temptation of compromise or giving in?
Re-read Nehemiah 4:19-20 . Even though Nehemiah was vigilant to make sure that God's purpose of rebuilding the wall got completed, he never forgot that the God's purpose for the wall was ultimately to build up God's people. It is easy to forget others while you are in your own life struggles but as a caring Christian community you are called to come to the aid of your sisters and brothers just as they are called to care for you.
• How has the faith community around you supported you in a time of need?
• Name a time you came to the aid and support of someone who was in need. What happened?
• How do you stay ready and prepared to help those around you?
It isn't enough just to respond but you are called to fight for people in need. When you don't stand in the gap for people, people suffer. When we don't fight for those who can't fight for themselves, people die. Don't almost give, don't almost serve, but give your life and serve those who are calling for your help.
• Where is God calling you to “stand in the gap' for someone today?
• In what part of your life do you need to refuse to back down? What will you do to stand firm?
