Nehemiah 6:1–9 (NIV)

Opening

I didn’t know I married a builder. My wife can see a vision, grab some wood and paint, and bring it to life. Then I look around my house—my daughter is building art, my son is building tracks and beats, and I’m building sermons and the future of our church. Truth is, we’re all builders at Resurgence.

Building is exciting—but it comes with responsibility. We can’t waste the gift or let distractions tear down what God has asked us to raise up.

We’re Builders

Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem—not because he was the strongest or wealthiest, but because he refused to quit the work God placed in his hands. If God used Nehemiah then, He can use us now.

We’re not just filling seats—we’re building something.
We’re not just singing songs—we’re building something.
We’re not just running programs—we’re building something.

Some of us are building businesses; some are building families; some are building faith. Whether you’re building for the first time or rebuilding after a hard season, you’re not alone—this is what we do together.

Scripture Anchors for Builders

  • “By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established.” (Proverbs 24:3)
  • “Encourage one another and build one another up.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
  • “Together, we are His house… and the cornerstone is Christ Jesus Himself.” (Ephesians 2:20)

Build. Rebuild. Rebound.

There’s the first build—and then there’s the rebuild after something breaks. Nehemiah’s story is a rebound story. Many of ours are, too.

Maybe you hit rock bottom. Maybe last semester was rough. Maybe a relationship cracked. Good news: grace gives you a hammer again. Pick it up.

The Enemy Is Defeated (But He Will Distract)

In Nehemiah 6, Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem tried everything to stop the work—invites to meet, rumors, public letters. Sound familiar? The enemy couldn’t defeat the project, so he tried to distract the builders.

“I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down.” —Nehemiah 6:3

In Christ, the decisive battle is already won. “O death, where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55)

We don’t fight for victory—we fight from victory. That’s why distraction is the enemy’s favorite tool. If he can pull your eyes off the assignment, you’ll do his work for him.

What distraction is pulling at you?
Comparison? Fear? Opinions? Endless arguments?

The “Ono” invitations of your life will always sound reasonable—“Come down and talk.” But leaving your post costs you momentum, clarity, and peace.

How We Keep Building: Prayer & Declaration

Nehemiah didn’t come down to debate. He prayed. He declared truth. He kept working.

  • Nehemiah 1: Prayer of confession and promise.
  • Nehemiah 2: Declaration—“The God of heaven will give us success.”
  • Nehemiah 4: Prayer against insults; declaration—“Don’t be afraid… remember the Lord… fight for your families.”
  • Nehemiah 6: Discernment to refuse the meeting; prayer—“Now strengthen my hands.”

This is our pattern too: confess, declare, continue.
Not with the weapons of man, but with prayer and the Word.

Declarations You Can Speak This Week

  • I am being strengthened with all power according to His might. (Colossians 1:11)
  • God has not given me a spirit of fear but of power, love, and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7)
  • I meditate on God’s Word; He prospers what I put my hands to. (Psalm 1:2–3; Joshua 1:8)
  • God makes all grace abound to me for every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:8)
  • As I honor the Lord, He provides more than enough. (Proverbs 3:9–10; Malachi 3:10)
  • Nothing can separate me from the love of God in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:38–39)

Try This: 4 Practical Steps

  1. Name your wall. Write one sentence: “My build right now is ______.” Clarity protects you from “Ono” invitations.
  2. Close the gaps. Identify two weak spots (time, budget, boundaries, skills). Make one small fix today.
  3. Pre-decide your “no.” Finish this sentence and keep it on your phone: “I’m doing a great work, and I can’t come down to ______.”
  4. Pray Nehemiah 6:9 daily. Morning, noon, and night: “Now strengthen my hands.”

Reflection Questions

  • Where am I building, and where am I rebuilding?
  • What “Ono” invitations have been stealing my attention?
  • Which declaration from Scripture do I need to speak over my life this week?
  • Who can I invite to build with me at Resurgence?

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, I give You my life, my heart, and my hands. Forgive me where I’ve fallen short. Silence distraction and strengthen my hands to finish what You’ve assigned to me. I won’t come down to fear, shame, or comparison. Build me up again by Your Spirit, and build through me—my family, my church, and my city. In Your name, amen.