Devotionals · June 2021

Rise Up and Build

by Ps Bill Wilson

They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. – Nehemiah 1:3-4

Nehemiah was gripped with a burden! A burden to rebuild the wall in Jerusalem!
So, I ASK you…What are you Burdened with? 

In our lifetime all we have is our allocated number of days and what to do with the time that is given to us. When we die the material things of this earth become irrelevant to us. And the only thing that remains and what matters most is what we have done for Jesus.

Nehemiah prayed for God to use him for a cause much greater than himself! 

Elisha realised that the young man was looking at the battle before him instead of the God above him. The direction you position yourself in will determine your success. Elisha prayed that God would open his eyes, he didn’t preach at him – he prayed for the young man. When his eyes were open he saw ‘Chariots of Fire’

He knew that for him to be effective and make a difference to those around him, Nehemiah would have to overcome this nagging frustration and have the courage to believe and ask for the impossible.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
His commitment would have to be stronger than his emotions.

God has a plan and purpose that’s been promised to each of us. How bad do we want to see that the plan and promises accomplished? When we know the why of what we do, our work for Christ will be impactful, and not just to make an impression. We must make a conscious decision to persevere in the things of God. 

There are important truths in Rising and going forth to Build

1. We must Pray and stay Focused on God
2. Make Him the Builder of all your Plans 
3. Push past discouragement that will arise
4. Work together with those who have a common Vision       
5. Revive yourself Spiritually- Hold on to the word of God 

Every day is an opportunity for us to Rise-up! Once we rise up, doors of opportunities will be opened for us to Build the Kingdom of God. 

Last Thought:  And I told them of the hand of my God which had been good upon me, and also of the king’s words that he had spoken to me. So, they said, “Let us rise up and build.” Then they set their hands to this good work. - Nehemiah 2:18(NKJV)