We are going to look at the old Testament for today’s lesson. Sometimes we forget that there is Much to be learned there!

Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. - Romans 15:4 (NLT)

Stories in the Old Testament have significant value for our lives today. We can learn a lot. We are going to look at Nehemiah and some things we can learn from his experiences.

Nehemiah is the story of a man whom whom God used in a great way. God wanted to rebuild what was broken down. He wants to rebuild what has been destroyed in our lives too!

We all have past hurts and mistakes that God wants to fix, heal and rebuild.

God wants to…

• take the pain from our past and rebuild peace
• heal the hurts and abuses we have experienced
• free us from addictions
• restore our faith
• help us overcome fear
• use our weaknesses to bring us strength

OK, let’s look at Nehemiah….

They said to me, “Things are not going well for those who returned to the province of Judah. They are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem has been torn down, and the gates have been destroyed by fire. – Nehemiah 1:3 (NLT)

Nehemiah - He realizes that there is a problem.

You and Me - Are you in denial? Blind to your issues?

When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven… – Nehemiah 1:4 (NLT)

Nehemiah – It bothers him.

You and Me – Does our situation bother us enough to CHANGE?

Then I said, “O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of unfailing love with those who love him and obey his commands, – Nehemiah 1:5 (NLT)

Nehemiah -He took it to a Loving God.

You and Me – Do you know God’s Love? Do you realize that EVERY issue us a God issue?

listen to my prayer! Look down and see me praying night and day for your people Israel. I confess that we have sinned against you. Yes, even my own family and I have sinned!

We have sinned terribly by not obeying the commands, decrees, and regulations that you gave us through your servant Moses. - Nehemiah 1:6-7 (NLT)

Nehemiah – He owned it.

You and Me – We cannot blame others, seek revenge or avoid self evaluation. We must acknowledge our part in our problems. Acknowledging our wrongs is the most important step in this process. We need to repent for our sin, bitterness, self-pity, pride, faithlessness, ignorance, selfishness, rudeness or whatever area that we have sinned in the situation.

“Please remember what you told your servant Moses: ‘If you are unfaithful to me, I will scatter you among the nations.

But if you return to me and obey my commands and live by them, then even if you are exiled to the ends of the earth, I will bring you back to the place I have chosen for my name to be honored.’

“The people you rescued by your great power and strong hand are your servants. – Nehemiah 1:8-10 (NLT)

Nehemiah -  He reminded God of His promises and appealed to His forgiveness

You and Me – Trust in the Lord. Trust what His Word says about you, your life and situation. Trust that HE will do what He says. God does not lie. He loves you and wants only the best for your life. Trust HIM more than what you feel or see.

O Lord, please hear my prayer! Listen to the prayers of those of us who delight in honoring you. Please grant me success today by making the king favorable to me. Put it into his heart to be kind to me.”

In those days I was the king’s cup-bearer. - Nehemiah 1:11 (NLT)

Nehemiah - He trusted God and took action in spite of the circumstances.

You and Me - Discomfort leads to action. When things are not going well in our lives we tend to “straighten up,” and begin taking action.

God’s ability to work in our lives is not limited by our abilities, position or lack. His only limitation is OUR willingness. God can use anyone…IF they are willing to be used, God can help anyone…IF they WANT to be helped. He is only limited by OUR will.

He wants to rebuild us so that His presence and purpose can be fulfilled in our lives. Do not resist. It is for YOUR best interest!

I am stopping there. The rest will be YOUR homework. I want to encourage you to dig deeper and allow God to rebuild the areas in your life that need adjusting and healing.

Let’s Pray;

Daddy God, thank You for Your Word and Truth. Thank You for loving me and having my best interest at heart. Help me to recognize the areas in my life where I am blinded by pride and ignorance. Help me to give my life to you completely. Help me to allow You to rebuild me and mold me into who YOU designed me to be. I love you, Daddy. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

Copyright © Lara Velez, All Rights Reserved

Your Homework

Dig Deeper

Ask yourself these thought provoking questions. Ask the Lord to help you.

• What areas in your life are in need of rebuilding?
• Where has the affect of sin created an area of devastation and insecurity?
• Do you recognize these areas as spiritual?
• Have you owned your part of the problem?
• Have you confessed and repented?
• Do you know God’s love and are you willing to trust Him to rebuild it?
• Are you willing to obey Him in whatever He wants?

Further Study

The rest of Nehemiah’s story…

He sized up the problem (2:13-16)

He encountered resistance:

• Questioning (2:19-20)
• Despising (4:2-6)
• Threats and Discouragement (4:7-23)
• Sin (5)
• Distraction (6:1-4)
• Slander (6:5-8)
• Intimidation (6:9-14)

Resistance continued even after the wall was built (6:15-19)

Finally read chapter 8.

In His Love and Service,

Lara

Copyright © Lara Velez, All Rights Reserved

Special thanks to a spiritual mentor in my life, Frank. Got bless you!

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