Nehemiah encourages

Nehemiah Continued...
In the last blog about Nehemiah, I brought out the comparison between the wall surrounding the city of Jerusalem and our own employment. When we lose our ability to work and provide for our family’s security, we become vulnerable. Nehemiah wept before God concerning his people. In chapter 2, Nehemiah takes his request to rebuild the wall to his employer/master, King Artaxerxes. The king gave him supplies and letters of safe passage to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem.


What was it that rebuilt the walls?

Artaxerxes didn’t send an army of engineers to rebuild the wall. A miracle did not take place. The people of Jerusalem didn’t suddenly wake up one morning to find the walls rebuilt, as their ancestors had found manna in the desert. Nehemiah wasn't even in the construction business, he was a cup bearer for the king! It seems that God was determined to prove His righteousness in Chapter 3. God chose to use the miracle of encouragement through Nehemiah to rebuild the wall.

Last Thursday, we started openly soliciting help for the Sorority house Project. To this point, we have 75 people signed up to help in demo/construction/food. Praise God, HE is faithful! What an encouragement!

There was no miracle in the rebuilding of the wall in Jerusalem, or the building of Sorority House, just encouragement and support. Throughout chapter 3 we read of each man, woman and child getting together to build the wall. From Eliashib the high priest in first verse, to the goldsmiths and merchants in verse 32, everyone put their hand to the work.

I have read through Nehemiah a number of times and have never really given the third chapter much consideration until now. It seems that the biggest thing that Nehemiah does is give encouragement. Everyone would recognize the need to rebuild the wall; no one stepped up to get the job done.

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:23-25

As each person set about rebuilding the wall, they stood side by side encouraging, rebuilding security into their life and the life of their neighbor. Each person had their name written in the Bible. For doing what? Simply standing side by side and working. In how many books will your name be written for your work toward the Lord? Sometimes we think God doesn’t notice our struggles or achievements. I think He notices, and I think He makes a note. Don’t fear; you have not been left vulnerable or abandoned.

“But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” Luke 12:5-7

You may not be able to go to Haiti and render aid, or stand up before thousands and preach the Word. But you can stand side by side with us as we set about to build security in a woman’s life through your help and encouragement with the Sorority House Project.