This post is a continuation of my Bible study through Nehemiah, and the post I did about the second chapter, “Fulfill the object of your existence by asking a question.
The next one happens in verses 17 and 18.
Nehemiah did not tell anyone why he was returning to Jerusalem. Once he got there he went out on his own and began surveying the city and figuring out just how much work it was going to take to get that place fixed up to its previous glory.
Then Nehemiah came back and started talking to those left in Jerusalem – let’s face it guys, this place is a wreck and it shouldn’t be like that! GOD has told me that He is with me and it is His will for this place to be rebuilt. God is with us!
What did his friends say? “Let’s get started!”
Wow! What would it be like to have friends that trust you and believe in the same God you do? What if they believe God will speak to you and get in line behind the vision that God has given you?
This also has to be reaffirming to us when we feel God put a burden on our hearts for something and given us that grand vision that you don’t think anyone will “get” so you just don’t say anything to anyone. Then, lo and behold, you start telling your friends and they just jump on board eager to get started. Take that as a boost from God.
Finally, in verse 19 some of the people started really talking down to Nehemiah. “What do you think you’re doing?” Nehemiah just kept on doing what he was doing – what God called him to do. His faith is awesome – “God will make sure we succeed!”