You might be in one of those times in life where you’re not sure what to do. Do I go to school? Do I get a job or pursue another career? In his book The Way I Was Made, songwriter Chris Tomlin writes, “Right now, the God who made you knows your heart, knows your desires, your strengths, your limitations . . . and this God has only good in mind for your future.” Chris points to Jeremiah 29:11 which reveals that God has good plans for us.
You might not know the next step to take, but take some counsel from Nehemiah and the wall builders (sounds like a rock band!). Nehemiah had received permission from King Artaxerxes of Persia to return to Jerusalem to oversee the continued rebuilding of the city that Ezra had started decades before (Ezra 1:2-4; Nehemiah 2:1-6). He and other formerly exiled members of God’s people returned and tackled the rebuilding of the city walls first (Nehemiah 2:17-19).
I’m guessing this crew must have felt overwhelmed—not sure what to do upon arrival. They could have been paralyzed by indecision and the unknown that lay ahead. But here’s what happened: Regardless of their backgrounds or abilities, they simply joined in and served. They had the high priest and other priests (Nehemiah 3:1,22,28), a city leader and his daughters (Nehemiah 3:12), goldsmiths (Nehemiah 3:8,31-32), other merchants (Nehemiah 3:32), and even a dude who worked with perfumes (Nehemiah 3:8), all hoisting rocks and digging in the debris. And, as they worked with all their heart, something amazing happened—the crew rebuilt the entire wall in just 52 days! (Nehemiah 6:15).
Regardless of where you are in life, you’re part of Jesus’ kingdom-building work. Your next opportunity might be simply “across from [your] own house” or with that team at church. Serve God with all you have wherever you are today (Colossians 3:23).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Hebrews 12:1-13
More:
Note the differing people groups and the common bond that allowed them to build one another up in Colossians 3:11.
Next:
What can you do for Jesus today, even as you face questions about some big issues in life? How can questions and indecision keep us from serving Jesus with all our heart?
BearPair on December 18, 2013 at 12:45 am
Great reminder, Tom…. we could probably read this weekly! 🙂
tom felten on December 18, 2013 at 9:15 am
, , , or daily! I need to reminded often. 🙂
Gene on December 18, 2013 at 7:12 am
Tom, I do believe we find our life in Christ in the midst of serving. These are great examples found in Nehemiah. Nehemiah is also the ultimate project manager example.
tom felten on December 18, 2013 at 9:17 am
Gene, so true. When I think of how Jesus showed the disciples what it meant to be a servant (washing their feet, etc.), it reveals how much serving others—out of service and love for God—is part of true faith.
Hoverjeff on December 18, 2013 at 8:25 am
…a dude who worked with perfumes …
Tom, you crack me up!!! But always, spot on with your comments.
Thanks for that encouraging word.
tom felten on December 18, 2013 at 9:18 am
It’s true! The dude worked with perfumes . . . Chanel No. 1? 🙂
roxanne robbins on December 18, 2013 at 11:58 am
In a “rebuilding the walls” phase so very thankful for the Biblical example you shared of Nehemiah. A good reminder to seek the Lord as plans are constructed. Thanks, Tom, and blessings to you and your family.
tom felten on December 18, 2013 at 2:52 pm
Thanks, Roxanne. I keep learning and relearning that it’s vital for us to seek God as we put together our plans—watching carefully where He’s working!
judithanne on December 18, 2013 at 1:25 pm
The word ‘overwhelmed’ stood out to me in this meditation. The poem below was shared in a newsletter of Elisabeth Elliot’s years ago. When life looms ahead of me with seemingly ‘too much to do’, and I feel overwhelmed, I remember the phrase in the poem that says to just ‘do the next thing’. I can’t accomplish it all at once but just as the wall was built gate by gate, so my jobs get done bit by bit as I do the next thing on the list. Hope the poem encourages you as it did me!
Do The Next Thing
From an old English parsonage,
Down by the sea,
There came in the twilight,
A message to me;
Its quaint Saxon legend,
Deeply engraven,
Hath, as it seems to me,
Teaching from Heaven.
And on through the hours
The quiet words ring
Like a low inspiration-
DO THE NEXT THING
Many a questioning, many a fear,
Many a doubt, hath its quieting here.
Moment by moment,
Let down from Heaven,
Time, opportunity,
Guidance, are given.
Fear not tomorrows,
Child of the King,
Trust them with Jesus,
DO THE NEXT THING
Do it immediately;
Do it with prayer;
Do it reliantly, casting all care;
Do it with reverence,
Tracing His Hand,
Who placed it before thee with
Earnest command.
Stayed on Omnipotence,
Safe ‘neath His wing,
Leave all resultings,
DO THE NEXT THING
Looking to Jesus, ever serener,
(Working or suffering)
Be thy demeanor,
In His dear presence,
The rest of His calm,
The light of His countenance
Be thy psalm,
Strong in His faithfulness,
Praise and sing,
Then, as He beckons thee,
DO THE NEXT THING
-Author unknown
tom felten on December 18, 2013 at 2:53 pm
Love this poem, Judithanne. Thanks so much for sharing it!
winn collier on December 24, 2013 at 10:09 am
God’s Kingdom is truly everywhere. Thanks for the reminder.