What Are YOUR Walls?

Yesterday morning on my way in to work I was listening to a sermon by Chuck Swindoll. It was the first message in a series about Nehemiah. The series was entitled Hand Me Another Brick and it spoke about leadership. But the message also equated "the walls" in Nehemiah's story with our walk with Jesus.

If one reads through the first few chapters of Nehemiah  we can begin to see the steps he takes to the successful conclusion of his task.

1. Nehemiah prayed (Nehemiah 1). When Nehemiah's brother told him about the state of Jerusalem, Nehemiah wept, he fasted and he prayed. That should be OUR first step as well.
2. Nehemiah had a steady job (Nehemiah 1). Although it had its challenges, Nehemiah was the cup bearer to the king - fully employed at the time of his calling. He risked his job and his very life to pursue his calling. Do you and I have that kind of courage?
3. The burden was obvious on Nehemiah's heart (Nehemiah 2). Nehemiah heard about the people he loved in the city he loved and he longed to help. He mourned for them and it was rather obvious - he longed to re-build the city.
4. Nehemiah returned home and inspected the damage (Nehemiah 2:11). He did this in secret but he thoroughly assessed the damage and determined what needed to be done.
5. Nehemiah persevered through criticism and nay-sayers (Nehemiah 2:19). There may be many people that try to talk you out of what you are trying to do. Make sure you are in God's will and press on towards the goal.
6. Nehemiah re-built the walls. We can do anything we set our minds to . . . as long as God

Walls like those around the city of Jerusalem were designed to keep the people safe by keeping the enemy out. They were designed to protect. In Jerusalem's case the city walls were destroyed by an enemy. Question . . . Who is OUR enemy? And has he broken down any of OUR walls?

Each of us has "walls" around our soul. They are in various states of disrepair. The enemy prowls around the wall looking for breeches . . . a way to enter OUR "city" and destroy it. We cannot allow that to happen. We need a Nehemiah for our souls. Where can we find someone like that ?

Remember, Nehemiah was the cup bearer to the king. He tasted all the King's food and drink to make sure it was safe. Nehemiah, who stood at the right hand of the king, was the intermediary between the king and his people. Doesn't Jesus play that same role today. He sits at the right hand of God. Our only hope for a right relationship with our King is through His Son, Jesus. Interesting.

"11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?” - John 18:11

Intercessor - Eric Ludy