In this chapter the rebuilding of the walls and gates commences.
“Next to them… goldsmiths, repaired. Next to him… one of the perfumers, repaired, and they restored Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall. Next to him Shallum… ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, repaired, he and his daughters. After him the priests, the men of the surrounding area, repaired. And between the upper chamber of the corner and the Sheep Gate the goldsmiths and the merchants repaired.” (v8, 12, 22, 32)
The work of rebuilding fell on everyone: families, perfumers, goldsmiths, merchants, leaders, etc. Nobody was excluded from their portion of the work. Many people rebuilt the section closest to their own home. This was truly a community project – for the community, by the community – and none of the people listed were professional masons or carpenters.
Have you ever been called to do something for which ‘you’re not qualified’? These people were. Were they construction professionals? Certainly not. Were they members of this struggling community and still asked to contribute in any way they could, even if that meant stepping outside of their comfort zones? Yes.
Nehemiah asked people to do something in which they felt unqualified or uncomfortable. Yet, everyone gave it their best effort. God does the same thing with you and I today – asking us to faithfully step out of our comfort zone and participate in His Kingdom’s work. We may not be building a physical kingdom, but the work is just as critical.
I encourage us to listen for and obey God’s callings on our lives. It will often take a leap of faith and blind trust to obey, but if we overcome the enemy’s excuses (eg. “I’m not qualified”), there may be huge blessings for us, or those we are called to help. Just remember that God won’t ask us to do something, and then fail to provide the training / strength / resources to accomplish what He asked us to do – He will never set us up for failure. I don’t have any professional training for my job, or the ways in which I serve God. Yet, whenever I step out in faith, He blesses me with all I need to complete my callings – I trust He will do the same for you.
Father God, our Wise and Discerning Lord, You are all-knowing and ever-present. Thank you for partnering with us to build Your Kingdom here on earth. Though we may lack confidence in our own abilities and resources, we can trust You to help us complete the callings You give us. We trust that You will never forsake us, or set us up to fail, and that You will never withhold Your hand of blessing when we choose to obey. May You work in and through us to draw others closer to You, for Your glory and honor, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training