What are you Building?

At church, we have been going through the book of Nehemiah.  I really have enjoyed the sermons I have gotten to listen to so far in this book.  The question that has been asked to us as a congregation is “What are you building for the Lord?”  The idea is talking and thinking about what we are working on for the glory of God?  Are we working on certain relationships to bring them closer to the Lord? Are we working on serving the Lord on a regular basis through our jobs? Are we involved in our church community?

The book of Nehemiah discussed the prophet of Nehemiah who spent a lot of time building the wall from the capture of Babylon.  Before Nehemiah came along, the people of Israel weren’t rebuilding this wall.  They were just letting the walls stay on the ground.  They were incredibly discouraged by the first capturing of Babylon.  They didn’t see the benefit of finding ways to protect their city.  

Nehemiah would see this as apathy which is exactly what it was. The people knew there was work that could be done around the country.  There was rubble all around the city gates as opposed to the nice wall around the city protecting the people and the temple which is the house of the Lord.  The people didn’t want to take the time to clean up the place and make it look amazing for the Lord. 

Nehemiah took it upon himself to build up the city walls and gates.  He took it upon himself to make the city protected once again for many years to come.   This wasn’t the easiest task. One building  a wall is hard work and then two, he had people who were making the work more difficult. There were people who disagreed with him and the work he was doing.  There were people who were trying to discourage him from continuing his work.  There were people who didn’t think he was doing a great job.  

The question becomes, What are you building? What are you working on for the Lord, even when people disagree with you?  This doesn’t just include what you are building for yourself.  For example, you could be building up yourself more and more in your career.  You could be building a portfolio for your future self.  These are all good as well, but is there something you are working towards for the Lord? Is there a way you can start building something for God in your daily life?

If I had to say what I was building, I believe I am first building a strong marriage with my husband.  We are still in our first year of marriage, so we are still learning everything that comes with being married.  We are still learning how to best communicate, how to talk through disagreements and hurt, how to serve one another, etc. There are so many good moments, but there are still moments when it is hard. I am continuously learning new and different ways I can be a better wife and finding ways to serve Cole to the best of my ability.  I want to be the best and Godly wife I can be and I’m glad I have the Holy Spirit to help me.  

I am also building at my work.  I work with families and kids who are low-income in Waterloo.  This is a very important group to work with, and I am honored and blessed with the opportunity to serve this group of people.  However, there are times when it can be frustrating, as all jobs and all peoples can be at times.  I need to remember to have the love for these families we serve. 

One thing I want to continue to grow in is finding ways to build up a community of disciples. When I was in college, I had the wonderful privilege to lead a Bible Study and disciple/meet one on one with some girls. I have missed those times with those girls, and I am hoping to make an opportunity to meet with more people to talk about Jesus. 

One verse that continues to discuss this theme is Psalm 90:17 which says, “Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!” I love this verse because it reminds us that God wants to establish the work he wants us to do.  Yes, we can have passions and dreams.  God is the one who put them in our minds to have those thoughts and dreams in the first place.  The reason we are as we are is because of God creating us uniquely and differently than anyone else.  Therefore, He has a great plan in mind for what we can build for Him. 

The challenge for this week is to think about what you are building? What are you making for God? What unique qualities has he given you to create something for his kingdom?