INTRODUCTION: Rebuilder of the Broken. Compassion. Compassion will cause me to CALL ON GOD, TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND MOVE OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE.
Cooperation. For there to be cooperation we RECOGNIZE THE VISION, RECOGNIZE THE SOURCE OF THE VISION, DO MY PART.
The Cause
If I’m going to be a Rebuilder of the Broken I must TAKE OWNERSHIP OF THE CAUSE!
WHY?
Nehemiah 2:18 (NLT)- “…They replied at once, “Yes, let’s rebuild the wall!” So they began the good work.”
Immediately comes verse 19
Nehemiah 2:19 (NLT)- “But when Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem the Arab heard of our plan, they scoffed contemptuously. “What are you doing? Are you rebelling against the king?” they asked.”
When Nehemiah communicated the vision, THE CAUSE, they immediately faced opposition.
Immediately, there was an enemy of God’s plan that said, YOU’RE NOT GOING TO DO THIS!
1 Corinthians 16:9 (NLT)- “There is a wide-open door for a great work here, although many oppose me.”
What was Paul’s “Great Work” or you can say it this way HIS CAUSE.
Galatians 1:15-16 (NLT)- “But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace. Then it pleased him to reveal his Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles…”
THIS IS MY WALL, THIS IS MY CAUSE!
Opposition is not a sign that God is against you. Opposition is a sign that God is for you and you’re right in the middle of what He’s called you to do. YOU’RE BUILDING THE WALL GOD HAS CALLED YOU TO BUILD.
TAKE OWNERSHIP OF THE CAUSE!
Nehemiah 4:1 (NLT)- “Sanballat was very angry when he learned that we were rebuilding the wall. He flew into a rage and mocked the Jews,”
Nehemiah 4:7 (NLT)- “But when Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabs, Ammonites, and Ashdodites heard that the work was going ahead and that the gaps in the wall of Jerusalem were being repaired, they were furious.”
I HAVE A CAUSE, YOU HAVE A CAUSE!
HOW DO I TAKE OWNERSHIP OF THE CAUSE IN THE FACE OF OPPOSITION?
- Don’t be afraid
Nehemiah 4:14 (NLT)- “Don’t be afraid of the enemy!”
God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind! BE NOT AFRAID!
2. Remember God and what He’s called you to do.
Nehemiah 4:14 (NLT)- “Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!”
3. Be Equipped for the Battle
Nehemiah 4:17-18 (NLT)- “The laborers carried on their work with one hand supporting their load and one hand holding a weapon. All the builders had a sword belted to their side.”
Ephesians 6 tells us to take up the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God!
Hebrews 4:12 (NLT)-“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”
HOW DO I TAKE OWNERSHIP OF THE CAUSE IN THE FACE OF OPPOSITION?
4. Keep Working
Nehemiah 6:2-3 (NLT)- “So Sanballat and Geshem sent a message asking me to meet them at one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But I realized they were plotting to harm me, so I replied by sending this message to them: “I am engaged in a great work, so I can’t come. Why should I stop working to come and meet with you?”
I’m not coming down off this wall to have coffee with those who have opposed me since the beginning!
CONCLUSION: Taking Ownership of the Cause
- Don’t Be Afraid
- Remember God and What He’s Called you to Do
- Be Equipped for the Battle
- Keep Working
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WHAT IS THE HOLY SPIRIT SAYING TO YOU