Will we {RE}BUILD in self-reliance or in dependence upon God?
READ FOCUS TEXT: Nehemiah 2:9-20
On Sunday we continued our {RE}BUILD series exploring the story of Nehemiah. The story opens in Nehemiah 1:1-4 with news that the people of God and the city of God were “in great trouble and shame.” In response Nehemiah “wept and mourned for days, and continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven.” He felt called to do something, but had no open door.
Rather than running ahead of God or relying on his own intuition and skills Nehemiah remained where he was, praying “day and night,” until God moved. Through this he demonstrated a humble dependence upon God.
Fast forward, and in Nehemiah 2:9-20 we discover that God has made the way for Nehemiah to return to Jerusalem to {RE}BUILD. He has arrived in Jerusalem but has come face-to-face with opposition and challenges. In the text we see Nehemiah demonstrating courageous and confident faith, in spite of the difficulties. He was able to do this because God is the One leading and empowering his mission. This sort of courage and confidence was born out of Nehemiah’s humble dependence on God; dependence demonstrated through Nehemiah’s fasting and prayer.
God has also given us a mission; to make disciples of all nations. Today we’re faced with a similar choice: Will we build in self-reliance or in dependence upon Him? There is a need for us to recognize that all courageous and confident faith grows out of humble dependence upon God. Even God’s power at work in us is dependent upon on our humble dependence on Him!
Nehemiah teaches us that humble followers can step out in confident faith:
Even when the mission threatens the status quo. (vs. 10)
Even when the task seems impossible. (vs. 11-15)
Even before we have all the answers. (vs. 16)
Even when we must lead others to engage in the work. (vs. 17-18)
Even when we face strong opposition. (vs. 19-20)
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
Have you seen humble dependence on God lead to greater faith filled courage?
How might fasting and prayer cultivate a more courageous and confident faith?
Why do you think self-reliance leads to stifled obedience? Give some examples.
How different would life be if you were more confident in God’s leading and power?
PRAYER FOCUS
Take time to consider your life on a spectrum from self-reliance to total dependance. Ask God to work in your heart to help you be more humble and dependent upon Him. Commit to a regular pattern of fasting and prayer. Ask God to increase courageous and confident faith in your life.
MEMORY VERSE — Nehemiah 2:18 "And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me. And they said, ‘Let us rise up and build.’ So they strengthened their hands for the good work.”
