Here we stand at the door to the book of the Old Testament prophet, Nehemiah. Some of us have been here before and some of us have not, but God has something for all of us – each and every one – within the thirteen chapters of this book. That is something to be excited about, my friends!
The book of Nehemiah is the story of a wall. Not a metaphorical wall, but an actual, honest-to-goodness wall. But! Don’t close the laptop just yet. The story of Nehemiah is about so much more than bricks and mortar.
It’s about compassion – of a man for his city, and of our God for sinners (that’s us).
It’s about covenant – God’s unbreakable promise to His people and their commitment to one another.
It’s about community – a band of imperfect people linking arms to do the work of a mighty God.
The book of Nehemiah is a remarkable story about God using regular, God-fearing folks – not just the big, impressive leaders – to accomplish His redemptive purposes.
As you study this book of the Bible, it may be helpful to think of it in two parts:
Part One | Chapters 1-7 | The Reconstruction
Part Two | Chapters 8-13 | The Re-instruction
First, God builds up His people as they build up, or reconstruct, the wall.
Then, God re-instructs the people through His servant Nehemiah and through His Word.
And then? A surprise ending. Stick around and see!
Before we dive into Day 1 and Chapter 1 tomorrow, would you pray with us? Together as a fellowship of believers – real women gathered around this virtual table – let’s go to the Lord together.
Pray that God would meet us here,
that our hearts would be soft and open to the truth He has for us,
and that this truth would make us more like Jesus.
Get those study packs ready if you’ve got ’em (though it’s absolutely ok if you don’t!),
and meet us back here tomorrow for Chapter 1/Day 1 of Nehemiah!
How can I join in the study of the book of Nehemiah…
I am excited to start my first SRT study today!! Thanks to my sweet sister in Christ for the info that a new stud was starting today. I don't doubt that the Lord has me here in this study for a reason!! May we all learn how to be world changers for His renown!!
I'm really excited about this! I haven't studied my bible in years but I just randomly ended up on this site two days ago and all of the sudden felt really inspired to look at the Word again. I hope it's ok that I participate even if I haven't been really on the ball about my faith.
Mae, it's COMPLETELY okay!! We're so excited and glad to have you here. Know that you are welcomed and loved just as you are– no matter if you just opened your bible thirty minutes ago or have never before in your life! No matter who you are, no one is better or worse for the "holy things" they do, like reading God's Word– but that the Lord wants to grow and deepen your faith. I'm praying He'd do just that during this study, and that He'd draw you along in it with loving kindness, grace, and continually deeper truths! Be Blessed, my friend! :)
This is the second time I've read through Nehemiah since moving to Kampala, Uganda less than a year ago, and again, his story resonates so much with my own. My husband and I are here working with an NGO that brings much needed hope and restoration to imprisoned children. In the same way that Nehemiah is about a "community– a band of imperfect people linking arms to do the work of a mighty God," we are too!! There are so many politics and cultural issues and hiccups when it comes to work we do, but we are still doing the work of a MIGHTY God. And as much as I care about this work and these kids, He cares far more than my little heart could ever hope to. And that is awesome.
Nehemiah is one of my favorite books in the bible and I am so excited to do this study and grow in news ways through it!!!
Praying tonight that God will meet us here, individually and collectively. Praying that our hearts will be soft and open to the truth He has for us; especially my heart, which too often closes itself off and hides in the dark. Praying that this truth would make us more like Jesus; that I will go without fear into each new place The Lord calls me. I'm looking forward to learning again from God's work in Nehemiah and I pray that I am like his wall — being reconstructed and re-instructed. Lord, please make me teachable.
Jesus, thank you for the SRT community and the women you reveal yourself and encourage so many of us through. I pray that you meet each of us here in your word and through the words we share with one another. We thank you that in our imperfections you are made so very perfect. We look forward to growing through the study of Nehemiah. Excited!! :)
Amen