The Sword & The Shovel | A Lesson from Nehemiah's Wall Building Project

The story of Nehemiah is an inspiring one for Christians everywhere. It teaches us the power of purpose, prayer, and perseverance. Nehemiah was a man of faith who saw a need and took action. In the face of opposition, he rallied his community and embarked on a massive wall-building project. However, Nehemiah's success was not just due to his leadership skills and hard work. He relied on God and instilled a sense of religious dedication in his fellow workers. In this sermon, we will explore the lessons we can learn from Nehemiah's project and how we can apply them to our lives as Christians today.

Key Verses

• Neh 4:1-6
• Rom 12:12
• Neh 4:8-17
• 1 Cor 15:10
• Neh 4:23

Purpose is key 

One of the most inspiring things about Nehemiah's story is his sense of purpose. He saw a need and was determined to meet it, no matter the cost. As Christians, we need to have a similar sense of purpose in our lives. We need to know what we are living for and what God's calling is for our lives. This purpose will provide us with the motivation and direction we need to weather any storms that come our way. 

Pray without ceasing

Nehemiah's other secret weapon was prayer. He prayed fervently for God's guidance and protection throughout the project. We can learn from this example and make prayer a central part of our daily lives. We should seek God's guidance in all things and rely on His strength to carry us through difficult times.

Work hard and rely on God

Nehemiah didn't just pray and hope that God would magically rebuild the wall. He and his team worked hard, using both their brains and their brawn to complete the project. They held swords in one hand and shovels in the other, ready to fight off any attackers while continuing the work at hand. We too should be prepared to work hard for our dreams and goals, but always remembering to rely on God's strength and protection along the way.

Dedication and Perseverance are important

The wall building project was not without its challenges. Nehemiah had to face opposition, both from his enemies and from the tiredness and discouragement of his workers. But through it all, he remained dedicated and persevered towards his goal. As Christians, we can learn from his example and remain steadfast in our faith, even when things get tough. We should trust in God and His promises, even in the face of doubt and hardship.

In all things, give thanks

Nehemiah's project was a massive undertaking, but he never lost sight of the bigger picture. He recognized that the wall was not just a symbol of his own success, but a testament to God's faithfulness and protection. We too should have a heart of gratitude in all things, recognizing that everything we have and do is a gift from God.

Conclusion

Nehemiah's story teaches us that with purpose, prayer, hard work, dedication, and perseverance, we can accomplish anything. By relying on God and trusting in His promises, we can overcome obstacles and achieve great things in our lives. As Christians, we are called to live purposeful and faithful lives, always seeking to honor God with our actions. May we all be inspired by Nehemiah's example and strive towards our own goals with the same determination and heart that he displayed.