How long have you been a Christian? Have you ever stumbled in your faith?
When God seems distant, it’s not God pulling away from us, it’s us getting distracted and wandering away from Him. Thankfully, we often eventually see the error of our ways and return to Him.
If you’re in that spot of trying to work your way back to HIm, how can you rebuild your faith?
Nehemiah offers practical wisdom for just that!
Nehemiah was the cupbearer for the king. He’s in charge of tasting the wine and making sure the king won’t be poisoned. One day, Nehemiah received word on the state of Jerusalem: it was burned and reduced to a pile of rubble. As this was the great city of God, Nehemiah was heartbroken. He eventually asked for and received the king’s permission to go and rebuild the wall around the city.
Here is where Nehemiah worked wonders rebuilding the wall, and gaves great wisdom on how to rebuild a relationship with God.
The moment Nehemiah’s enemies realized what he was doing, they ridiculed and belittled his efforts. Nehemiah didn’t stop to banter with the enemy. He kept working. He also took the matter to God, asking God to deal with it. (Nehemiah 4:4)
1. When we turn our own paths around, we need to expect our enemy to pursue us relentlessly. He will attack with self-doubt, manipulation and humiliation. Don’t stop to entertain his words, instead keep pursuing faith. Take the fears and concerns to God. Let God deal with it.
When words didn’t work, Nehemiah’s enemies plotted how to come and physically fight against the workers. That should have terrorized the rebuilders of the wall! Yet, it didn’t paralyze them. They had a job to do. And they did it.
They simply armed themselves, working with a sword attached to their hips. They also posted guards to keep watch, but the work continued.
2. We need to keep instilling faith-building practices into our lives. We do need to be on-guard for whatever assault the enemy will try next, but not let that paralyze us. We need to continue building our faith. One note here: The enemy wouldn’t bother you if he didn’t see you as a threat. You wield more power than you know!
3. Nehemiah assessed the people’s situation. He provided wisdom and truth to encourage them with these words, “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons, and daughters, your wives, and your homes.” (Nehemiah 4:14b) When we are fighting to rebuild our faith, we do not need to fear the enemy. We need to remember the God we serve. As we fight for our faith, we are also fighting for the influence we will have over our family, and our homes. Nothing is worth more, than fighting for those we love.
4. Nehemiah’s workers had to spread out to accomplish the job. But he had a signal: when they heard the trumpet sound, they needed to come and assist because someone was under siege. (Nehemiah 4:20) Often, we must go about rebuilding alone, but when we are under attack, we need to call on brothers and sisters in Christ to help us ward off the enemy with prayer and encouragement. Their words and prayers can be used by God as God Himself defends us.
Rebuilding faith can be both challenging and rewarding, hair-raising and soul-soothing. When you, like me, find yourself in a place of rebuilding, renewing and refreshing, recall Nehemiah’s wisdom for reconstructing faith:
Keep going.
Stay armed.
Remember what you’re fighting for.
Call for help when you need it.
God is happy to help when we need it. He’ll supply people, wisdom, and encouragement when we ask. Let’s ask Him for just that.
Prayer: Dear God, You know where I’ve been and You know my heart and where I want to be. Please help me to apply the wisdom of Nehemiah to draw closer to You. Please help me keep going when it’s tough. Remind me to stay armed. Keep me motivated by reminding me what I’m fighting for. And Lord, nudge me to call for help from You and from other believers, when I need it. Thank You for forgiveness and for supplying my needs. In Jesus’s name, Amen.