life goes on in the midst of rebuilding
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Nehemiah 5
BY Jessi Connolly
Text: Nehemiah 5:1-19
We see in Nehemiah chapter five that, even though God’s people were endeavoring to do this massive work, life was still going on and everyday struggles amassed around them. When the farmers were rebuilding a wall, what would become of their crops? In a city that stood defenseless and sad at the beginning of this story, should we expect all the other affairs to be in order? Taxes were a mess, people were lending out their children as slaves, and their government was corrupt.
Nehemiah gets angry and he sets things right. He establishes order among the people and the government, and for this they make him governor. We see a sweet picture of him as a loving and sacrificial leader, and it is wonderful for us to look at and learn from. But more than that, this is an important little aside in a story of a people trying so hard to do something large for the Lord. They needed to take care of business and do a little self-care to keep the mission going.
If you’re in the midst of a God-sized project – on mission from Him – rely on His miraculous grace. But also, ask for wisdom and help to have your affairs in order so you can keep on building, for God’s glory.
59 thoughts on "life goes on in the midst of rebuilding"
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I am the uncompensated full time, as in 40+ hours a week director of NubAbility Athletics Foundation. A national nonprofit that serves kids with limb-loss that compete in mainstreamed organized sports. It began as our family’s mission to show that all children are fearfully and wonderfully created and that they can do all things through Christ regardless of how many limbs they have. I have out blinders in for the last 5 years. With the Lords help we have grown in service across the nation and by over 600% . This whole study has bolstered me in what I do. This chapter, 5 has refocused me on balance. I have done several She Reads Truth studies and have lived them all. But chapter for chapter, this one has spoken to me, where I am, the most. Thank you ladies! I’d love to join you someday in your writings and speaking.
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Rely on God!! His strength alone will enable us to do much for Him!!
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Sometimes it feels like one or the other – doing Gods work or doing life – perhaps a greater reliance on God would show me that I can do both.
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I so love that no matter what, God is so faithful in speaking to us through scripture and through each other. Each one of you ladies has blessed me through your comments.
One verse stood out to me today “When I heard their outcry and these charges, I was very angry. I pondered them in my mind and then accused the nobles and officials.”- Nehemiah 5:6-7
I couldn’t help but take note of Christ and his heart for us. Jesus meets our needs so we can meet others needs. We are his physical hands and feet on earth. This verse reminded me of Exodus 3:7-10, where God calls Moses to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. Jesus cares so deeply about oppression and injustice and poverty. The poor, the enslaved, those stuck in bondage, he desires to set them free and walk intimately with him throughout their lives and into eternity. I know I need to start taking my eyes off of myself and start opening up myself to be a part of the Holy calling Jesus wants me to follow. Jesus help my selfish heart.
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