Be Cautious, Focused & connected

Welcome to lesson three, four and five!

​Lessons #3 - Be cautious of who we share our journeys with and when.

 Nehemiah 2:16 The city officials did not know I had been out there or what I was doing, for I had not yet said anything to anyone about my plans. I had not yet spoken to the Jewish leaders—the priests, the nobles, the officials, or anyone else in the administration.

When we are going through something profound it is natural to want to share with others, but unfortunately, not everyone will be supportive or pray for us. Nehemiah was cautious about who and when he shared his plan to rebuild Jerusalem. Perhaps this is because he knew that others words could discourage him and get him off track! When you’ve gained a clear understanding of where and how God plans to rebuild in a particular area of your life, be encouraged to protect it and share with only those you know will provide godly support and prayer throughout.

Lesson #4 - Stay focused on our own rebuilding process and our personal outcomes. ​

Nehemiah 3:28 Above the Horse Gate, the priests repaired the wall. Each one repaired the section immediately across from his own house.

Even if there are people that don’t understand what we’re going through or what we’re trying to do it is important to stay focused on OUR process of rebuilding. This is crucial, especially when we find

ourselves starting to compare ourselves to others or judge others if their rebuilding looks different than ours. Again, we are uniquely and wonderfully made, and what is being rebuilt may very well look different than our neighbor. Focus is important too because when we are following God’s lead, the enemy will notice. In Nehemiah 4:11 the enemy had seen the rebuilding of Jerusalem and began planning an attack. Rather than focusing on the attack and getting discouraged, and with God’s help, the people went down to reinforce and protect what was being built. What does this tell us?

Photo by: Melissa DeWitt Photography

Lesson #5 -We need each other.

Nehemiah 4:13, 19-20 So I placed armed guards behind the lowest parts of the wall in the exposed areas. I stationed the people to stand guard by families, armed with swords, spears, and bows. Then I explained to the nobles and officials and all the people, “The work is very spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall. 20 When you hear the blast of the trumpet, rush to wherever it is sounding. Then our God will fight for us!”

We need to support and reinforce each other. We need to be ready to stand in the gaps and defend the weak. When the enemy started to attack those working to rebuild Jerusalem, everyone was called to the weakest spot to protect and fight off the enemy. So while we need to be cautious about who and when we share our process with, rebuilding needs to be done in community. Like most things worth the fight in life, we cannot do it alone.

I pray this met you right where you are and you are encouraged by God's Word to protect His plan of rebuilding, stay focused on your process, and be connected. If you'd like to connect  during your season of rebuilding please reach me via Facebook or Voxer. Talk with you soon!