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There is a time to arise and build.
Something broken, a relationship ruined, a business bankrupted, or a sudden death. It’s good to take the time to grieve and evaluate. But one day, you will wake up in the morning and think. . .
I must move on!
The Book of Nehemiah gives great advice on rebuilding as the book describes restoring the walls of Jerusalem.
You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned. Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer derision (Nehemiah 2:17, ESV).
In ancient times, when the walls of the city were broken, everything in that city was vulnerable. How many times have you felt vulnerable because of brokenness?
Nehemiah first inspected the damage — to get an accurate assessment.
Then I arose in the night, I and a few men with me. And I told no one what my God had put into my heart to do for Jerusalem. . . I inspected the walls of Jerusalem that were broken down and its gates that had been destroyed by fire (Nehemiah 2:12-13).
Nehemiah had confidence because he knew God’s will. And when he saw the overwhelming damage to the walls, he didn’t react in fear but gathered the people of Jerusalem and said. . .
I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me. And they said, “Let us rise up and build.” So they strengthened their hands for the good work (Nehemiah 2:18).
Immediately, they were challenged — as you will be when you decide to arise and build. There will be internal doubts about our readiness and competence while doubters arise and question our motives.
But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite servant and Geshem the Arab heard of it, they jeered at us and despised us and said, “What is this thing that you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?” (Nehemiah 2:19).
During a rebuild, have you encountered a Sanballat? Every time God has spoken to me about a new dream, soon after, someone told me that I wasn’t following God.
Every time — when I first began the ministry of Fellowship, when I first went to Russia, the first time I went to the Philippines, and when starting a ministry of discipleship in my city — every time.
Let’s review. . .
- Sense God’s leading to know when it’s time to rebuild.
- Seek the Lord for His will and ways.
- Inspect the damage and get an adequate assessment.
- Build a team to follow God’s vision of “arise and build” in our lives.
- Expect opposition and stand during trials and attacks.
Nehemiah responded to Sanballat. Your adversary can be an actual person or your emotional fears of inadequacy. Either way, let’s remember Nehemiah’s final words in chapter two.
Then I replied to them, “The God of heaven will make us prosper, and we his servants will arise and build, but you have no portion or right or claim in Jerusalem” (v. 20).
It’s time to arise and build.