A Midnight Survey Of The Walls | Nehemiah 2:13-16

I went out by night by the Valley Gate to the Dragon Spring and to the Dung Gate, and I inspected the walls of Jerusalem that were broken down and its gates that had been destroyed by fire. Then I went on to the Fountain Gate and to the King's Pool, but there was no room for the animal that was under me to pass. Then I went up in the night by the valley and inspected the wall, and I turned back and entered by the Valley Gate, and so returned. And the officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, and I had not yet told the Jews, the priests, the nobles, the officials, and the rest who were to do the work. — Nehemiah 2:13-16 SHOUT OUT: Scott Finnell from Texas and his entire team. These men are working on projects all over the USA, and they join a call each morning to discuss faith, leadership, and family using our devotionals here. Gentlemen, I love you guys, and I am praying for you today. I bet this situation felt like a war zone. It was probably overwhelming since it was the first time Nehemiah had seen it. Remember, history tells us that there were three invasions of Babylon in 606 BC, 597 BC, and 586 BC. The year is 444 BC, so this destruction has been this way for 142 years. That's a long time to sit in disarray. There were three things that Nehemiah surveyed in these verses: Destroyed Walls. Burned Gates. Impassable Barricades. I am sure this was overwhelming for Nehemiah. But there was one thing still needed to make the plan work. He needed a workforce. And notice who he named: priests, nobles, officials, and the rest. This is an all-hands-on-deck restoration. I love it when a leader is on a mission from God. Mainly because they are forced to assemble God's team for a task bigger than one leader can accomplish on their own. Most leaders don't engage in ministry like this primarily for this reason. They are intimidated by the size of the project. They fear the size and teaming resources that might be needed. As a leader who has worked in ministry for a long time, I can tell you I am only able to do what I do with a massive team of people around me. You might only see me, but I have an enormous support team of financial people, publishing people, printing people, fulfillment people, advisory people, prayer people, video people, marketing people, and monthly donors who make all this happen. And then there are people like you who regularly listen to, give to, share, and use these studies, like Scott Finnell and his team. I deploy all kinds of ministry to churches, prisons, and internationally that cannot be done without a team of people. So, as we reflect on Nehemiah's massive rebuilding project, I want you to consider your own—the rebuilding needed in your spiritual life. Just like Nehemiah, I want you to take a quiet midnight walk to survey your spiritual walls. Consider this question: What areas are broken down or disrepaired in your life? Is it your spiritual discipline, your study of God's Word, your spiritual relationships, or the spiritual leadership of your family? Take a quiet moment today to survey these areas. Then, identify where your walls need rebuilding. Whatever it is, remember you cannot do this alone. Some of you might need a team of people to rebuild the destruction in your life. Just like Nehemiah, you, too, need a team—godly men who are brothers in Christ. ASK THIS: In the same way, Nehemiah surveyed the broken walls and gates of Jerusalem, reflecting on your own life. What are the "broken walls" or neglected areas in your spiritual journey that need attention and rebuilding? Consider aspects like prayer life, Bible study, family relationships, or service to the community. How can you start the process of rebuilding these areas, and what support do you need to do so? Nehemiah recognized the need for a collective effort to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls. In our own spiritual lives and communities, how can we follow this example of teamwork and mutual support? Discuss ways in which you can come together as a group or community to support each other in rebuilding and strengthening your spiritual lives. What specific steps can you take as a group to ensure that everyone's "walls" are being rebuilt? DO THIS: What areas are broken down or disrepaired in your life? PRAY THIS: Father, guide me as I seek to rebuild the broken areas of my life, just as Nehemiah did in Jerusalem, and grant me the wisdom to recognize the support I need from my brothers in Christ. Strengthen me in unity and purpose, that together we may glorify Your name through our collective restoration and faith. Amen. PLAY THIS: Gracefully Broken. Check out other all Vince Miller's videos and audios for small groups at: https://beresolute.org/ Get Vince's most widely read resources The Daily Devotional at: https://beresolute.org/mdd Check out more ALL IN products like the one Vince is wearing at: https://beresolute.org/product-category/all-in-hats/