SWHW Bible Reading Plan: September 2021Sample

Top Takeaway from Caroline Foster:

Nehemiah was a common man in a unique position. But God prepared and positioned him for an “impossible” task.

Before God called Nehemiah, he was a cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes. The king trusted Nehemiah, and he was a man of God that was concerned about the future of Jerusalem. 

Nehemiah heard that Jerusalem’s wall was still in ruins and it broke his heart. So he started talking to God about it, and the Lord started giving him ideas on how he could be a part of the rebuilding. 

The task wasn’t easy and leading was even harder. But Nehemiah didn’t back down. A few things stuck out to me about how Nehemiah operated and worked:

1. Instead of trading insults or getting frustrated, Nehemiah prayed and kept working. Nehemiah constantly combined prayer with preparation and planning. His people trusted God, and at the same time, they kept vigilant watch over the work that had been entrusted to them. I love how my study Bible by Zondervan puts it: “We show God we are serious when we combine prayer with thought, preparation, and effort.”

2. Accomplishing a large task like building a wall is no joke. So much goes into the planning and execution. At times, I am sure Nehemiah felt like the job was impossible. Discouragement, frustration, and the pressures of getting the task completed weighed on him, but Nehemiah stayed focused on God’s plan. He constantly reminded himself and those around him of God’s calling, their goal, and God’s protection.

3. Nehemiah constantly faced threats of attack. He combatted the fear and what-ifs by always having practical steps to counter those threats. Obstacles exist in anything we do. Instead of looking at them as a threat, Nehemiah allowed them to be fuel for working smarter and wiser.

And you know what’s really cool? Nehemiah built the wall in record time. Even the enemies were blown away and said that “God must have been with the workers!” Talk about an amazing testimony of who God is and how He works through us.

You may think you don’t have a lot to offer God, but I want to remind you of two things Nehemiah did that apply to all of us: 1) He talked to God, and 2) He walked with God. 

He told God his dreams and shared his heart and convictions. And guess what God did? He gave him the wisdom, creativity, and grit to do what God had called him to do. 

He also put the things God told him into action. He didn’t sit back and wait for someone else. Nehemiah put HIS “yes” on the table. His actions show he was more afraid of missing out on God’s calling than he was of what others might think.

I don’t know about you, but I want to be like Nehemiah, walking boldly wherever God calls me. 

Thank You, Lord, for the brave and bold example of Nehemiah that reminds us of what it looks like to talk and walk with You. I am thankful for Your Word and how it practically applies to our lives. Help us today to work confidently and with excellence at whatever task You have put before us. Amen!