Nehemiah 4:17 - Keep Building

Step 1: Pray. Select.  

The Holy Spirit put the Book of Nehemiah in my heart for the past few days.

Yesterday afternoon, while I was outside enjoying a walk with my dog, the Holy Spirit confirmed that it was time to examine the situation more closely.

As I prayed this morning, Chapter 4 of the book, where those building and carrying burdens are also called to defend themselves in the process, stood out.

Here is where I landed to start my practice today.

Step 2: Write. Read. Circle

Nehemiah 4:17 Those who built on the wall, and those who carried burdens, loaded themselves so that with one hand they worked at construction, and with the other held a weapon.

After reading the scripture three times, the following words pulled at my heart:

• Those Who Build

• Carried Burdens

• Held A Weapon

Step 3: Re-Write

Adding my name to the front and with a focus on the words that stood out, here is the sentence(s) I came up with for today:

• Jennifer, those who build carried burdens, held a weapon.

Step 4: Visualize

As I close my eyes to visualize the words in my sentence, I see myself in a place I do not know. I am a foreigner building a wall, standing alone on a mountain.

I am dressed in layered clothing that is covered in dust. My entire head is covered except my eyes to prevent sand or dust from infiltrating my nose and mouth so I can continue breathing. It is extremely windy and desolate.

While I build, I also carry a backpack. It is not large, but is very heavy. I am not one hundred percent sure what is inside, but I know it is important enough to keep building, even if no one will help me.

The storm is getting worse, almost to the point of no visibility. I am scared because I cannot see to my right or left and can barely see in front of me to lay the next brick. Where are the bricks even coming from?

Just as I ask this question, a strong gust of wind blows, clearing through the dust, revealing to my left the wall is extremely long and runs beyond what I can see along the mountaintops. The visual that comes to mind is similar in nature to the Great Wall of China. It is at this moment I see how far I have come.

I didn't pause for too long as I was only allowed a glimpse.

I need to keep building because what I carry on my back can only be released by God at an appointed time.

Right now, the most important thing to do is to keep building since the burden, which is a weapon, and the wall is equally important.

Step 5: Ask. Seek

The main question(s) that came to mind were:

• Holy Spirit, why is the weapon dependent on the wall?

Step 6: Hear. Write. Receive

"Because the burden in the backpack you carry belongs to the LORD. It is his word, which will, in turn, threaten the enemy's Kingdom. If you don't build a fortress before going into battle, where will you rest once under attack? Be strong and very courageous, but know the battle is not like others you have fought in the past. You mustn't rush. Take comfort in the task at hand, for there will be a time you must fight on behalf of the LORD, and he is preparing your way to take refuge under his wings until the day of Jesus. The harvest is plenty, but the workers are few. Keep your covenant with God, and he will fulfill his promise to you. You can't see the end because there is no end to what God builds. Hear the word of 1 Corinthians 3:10-11 - 10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ."

Step 7: Pray. Confirm

Heavenly Father, I will pray for strength to build even in the midst of a storm. Build even if I am alone because I am never alone. God is with me and with us all.

If you used the scripture of the day and need prayer or someone to pray with you, connect Here. Remember, you are not alone.

Step 8: Share. Testify

If you workshopped any of the verses mentioned above using the 8-Step Prayer Practice, we would love to hear from you in the comments below about what the Holy Spirit showed or spoke to you today

Don't forget to Spread hope and share HERE if you have a miracle or testimony. We want to see how God is working in your life!

Conclusion:

Keep building and have confidence in whatever the Holy Spirit asks you to do; even if you can't see the outcome, know it is for a purpose. If we build obediently, trust that he is providing shelter to cover us until the day of Jesus. If that insight isn't enough, ask him to gently show us how far we have come so we can know without a doubt that he is keeping us under his watch, protected always, and keeping our place secure in the Kingdom.

God bless each of you as you go out and lay your bricks today.

May God be with us all!