Five building blocks to rebuilding your life.

When we survey our life, it does not take long to see broken down walls.  Broken walls represent anything that is not the way it is supposed to be…..broken marriages, estranged family members, harbored unforgiveness, hopelessness, drug addictions, bitterness, violence and abuse.  The reality of our world is that we live among the rubble just like the people of Jerusalem during Nehemiah’s life. “The wall of Jerusalem is broken down and its gates have been burned with fire.”  Nehemiah 1:3b

What would it take for you to start rebuilding the broken walls in your life? Do you sense a discontentment with the rubble around you?  If you want to be known as a “Rebuilder of Broken Walls” then Nehemiah is a great man to model.  Nehemiah shows us 5 building block principles he used in rebuilding the walls:

Block #1 -Get real –  In order to rebuild what is broken you must face the reality of the situation head on.  This is often a very hard thing to do.  When Nehemiah learned that the city where his ancestors were buried had broken walls and burned gates he wept.  You may need to face some painful circumstances in your life and that may stir up emotions like anger or sadness.  Part of rebuilding is grieving what isn’t right.

Block #2 - Go to the source – Nehemiah spent four months in prayer and fasting regarding the broken down walls.  God is the source of all life.   He created you and me.  He knows our situation and our pain.  When we go to the source we are given the cornerstone, Jesus Christ.  When we put our trust in Christ and his body, the Church, we have a solid foundation to build upon.

Block #3 - Create a blueprint – While Nehemiah was in his time of prayer and fasting, he developed a blueprint or vision.  He knew exactly what and how he was going to present to the king.  Nehemiah had a blueprint that he and God created.   You need a blueprint or a vision for rebuilding your wall.

Block #4 - Use your resources – Nehemiah used every possible resource he could find to get the job done.  Letters of permission, lumber, armies for safe travel and people who were ready to work.  You have to take inventory of your resources and you need the guts to ask to use them to fuel your vision.

Block #5 – Be as diligent as an Ant – Nehemiah had many negative obstacles to overcome in rebuilding the wall.  He experienced ridicule, assault, poverty, and low moral.  Nehemiah did not loose hope nor did he become defeated as the obstacles arose.  He adjusted his plan to overcome the obstacle and pressed on by encouraging people and addressing the people head on until the finish.

The outcome of Nehemiah’s story was an impossible task completed by a bunch of struggling people.  They rebuilt the wall in 52 days and celebrated what the Lord had done through them.  God is a good God, but he is not just going to rebuild our broken down walls.  We are co-laborers with Him.  Let’s strive to described as the people talked about in Isaiah 58:12 “Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities. Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls and a restorer of homes.” NLT






FYI - some resources for your walls.

• All men are invited to attend a special 4-week study, Courageous Living: Honor Begins at Home, led by Phil Boone and Eric Dale. Men do not need to have seen the movie to take part in this series.  Starts October 30th.
• Get registered for Day of Healing.