Day 7

the gift of friendship to accomplish God’s work



Nehemiah 4:15-23, Proverbs 11:14, Hebrews 10:24-25

BY Diana Stone

Text: Nehemiah 4:15-23, Proverbs 11:14, Hebrews 10:24-25

Nehemiah may not strike you as a story that deals with relationships, but at the core of this book is a powerful message about God’s children working together to accomplish a holy purpose. In this case, it was rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, all while preparing for a possible attack on the city.

Nehemiah has a gift for asking for help and being specific in his needs. While it was his initial desire to rebuild Jerusalem, we see him gather up the Israelites to become active participants in this, to do whatever job they could do.

It might have been very easy for Nehemiah to take all this on and then whine about a lack of volunteers. Instead, he asked directly for what he needed. He didn’t worry about being a bother, he let God take care of their hearts while he went ahead with his mission.

When we ask for help and work with others for the Lord’s calling, we open doors that might have been impossible to open alone. God rarely has a solo plan for His work, and our lives intertwine with other Christians so that we all can draw from each other’s strengths.

Our Christian friendships allow us to use each other’s God given gifts to work together for His greater plan.

As women, we often struggle with turning to another in a time of need. We’re told not to be annoying, to go with the flow, to stick it out. Being able to turn to another woman who loves the Lord changes so much in our lives. Whether it’s a commitment to pray for us as mothers or daughters, to encourage us on a job hunt, to stand by us during a hard time in our relationships, to help with something tangible – we need each other.

“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14, ESV)

Today, think about Godly women in your life who may be blessed if you turn to them with a need. Bind together in your friendships for Christ and see what marvels take place for His glory.

“…and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25, NASB)

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Post Comments (92)

92 thoughts on "the gift of friendship to accomplish God’s work"

  1. Nikki says:

    My husband and I are taking steps toward going to the mission field in 3 months. God is using this study in such an amazing way! I am daily surprised by the parallels in Nehemiah to where we are currently right now! So grateful for these truths!

    1. Lindsey says:

      Hey! Where are you guys going to serve?

  2. Nikki Falvey says:

    This is such a good reminder! It seems like women have a harder time making friends than men do, maybe because we are told strength requires solo work, but since becoming a believer this is something I’ve really struggled with. It’s hard to put yourself out there and try to make adult friends! But we need one another and this is great encouragement to try.

  3. We need each other! We need the whole body because we are all different parts of it working together for the same purpose!

  4. Heather says:

    An important message about working together as Christians – I’ve never felt closer to God than when I’ve been part of a community or team of volunteers.

  5. What solid truth! Thanks for reminding us that "god rarely has a solo plan". As I get older (27 here!) and life changes through marriage and children, I Have found that community and true friendships are harder to come by. I loved this reminder and commission for authentic relationships and to take the risk to lean on one another.

  6. Jennic says:

    I started this about a week ago because I felt God leading me to learn more about Nehemiah. This weekend I hurt my foot so bad that I’m unable to walk on it, it is humbling to have to get help and ironically this Devo spoke so true to my heart and it is something I really needed to hear. Although this is an old study God is still using it to touch women

  7. Leslie says:

    I am coming to this study late, but so glad I am here now. I love how in this lesson Nehemiah encourages the Isrealites by reminding them of God's character: great and awesome.
    These things the Isrealites knew were true:
    1) They were in danger.(v. 11)
    2)They were loosing strength. (v. 10)
    3)They were surrounded by rubble. The work was not nearly done. (v. 10)
    4)They were afraid. (V 14)
    5) By continuing work on the wall (God's command) they repeatedly put themselves in harm's way. (v. 16, 19)
    6) The work was great and extensive.( v.19)

    Doesn't the church feel this way as she builds God's kingdom? When she brings the glorious gospel to the nations that don't yet know Him? Doesn't this feel like persecution when you bring the gospel to others who reject Him? Or, when you build something in your own life you know God is calling you to do? When you undergo trials on every side, especially when it happens for living out your faith, or when God is working something deep in you, and you can't see the end?

    But, the Isrealites knew this to be true:
    1) That God was great and awesome . ( 14)
    2) That God wanted them to continue the work, even though they were tired and it was painful, and the results unknown. (14-17)
    3) God had helped them in the past. ( v15)
    4) God would fight for them.( 20)

    in the midst of danger, discouragement, and exhaustion, the Isrealites did not gather strength from themselves, their own ability to finish the wall or defend themselves. Nehemiah did not encourage them by self-congratulatory measures, gaurantees about the future, or how awesome and obedient they all were. He did not force orders. Instead, he reminded them of the nature of their God – great and awesome. A God that already has and will fight for them. And each, individually, they believed and were reminded and encouraged.

    In our discouragement, in any danger perceived or otherwise we may face as a body of believers, let us always remind each other of God's great character, true and faithful. Let us remind each other of what He has done for us already, the Cross and the Resurrection. let us take great hope and encouragement from the nature of the God we serve, that He is full of mercy and lovingkindness and He always keeps His promises. He has taken care of our biggest problem already: reconciliation with Him. Love this great and awesome God, Sisters, and get on with building His kingdom. Be blessed :)

    1. Rebecca says:

      Thank you Leslie for piecing together in words what my heart was after in this lesson

    2. Leslie! Wow! You should write devotionals or commentaries. This was beautiful & insightful & thank you for taking the time to write it!

  8. ljgibson says:

    I needed to read this so much. It truly hit home for me today.

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