Day 7 – Nehemiah's Strategy - Brethren in Christ U.S.

January 11, 2025

By Bishop Aner Morejon, Southeast Conference

Scripture meditation: Nehemiah 1:6

As I read the story of Nehemiah, it’s hard not to feel the urgency of his calling. He received heartbreaking news about his nation: the walls were broken down, and his people were suffering. Upon his return to Jerusalem, Nehemiah found the city walls destroyed and his people tormented by surrounding nations. He organized the people to rebuild the walls in front of their own homes and created a plan to protect the builders from enemy attack.

Today, we can empathize with their plight; much in our world seems to be in ruins.

One part that impacts me about Nehemiah’s story is how each person repaired the section right in front of their own home. This teaches us that change must start with us. We must humble ourselves and acknowledge our shortcomings – not just those of our community, but our own as well. Only by repairing our own homes and relationships can we offer a genuine testimony to the world.

Despite being an exile, Nehemiah was in a place where he had everything he could desire; as cupbearer to the king, he was afforded certain comforts. Yet his heart burned for his people. This is the true spirit of a disciple: sacrificing what we have to help others. Nehemiah faced adversities, but he never allowed them to discourage him. Likewise, if we feel that our surroundings are in crisis, it’s time to seek the Lord for discernment and strategies to rebuild those fallen walls.

As a faith community, we must remember that we are not alone in this struggle. We need to unite with the same spirit that led Nehemiah to act, a spirit of unity and purpose. We need to bow our knees and lift our voices, crying out for transformation and deliverance.

As we journey together, we must ask ourselves: what is our greatest joy? Undoubtedly, it is seeing souls surrendered at the feet of Jesus.

Prayer

Father, I ask for a spiritual awakening that begins in me, just as Nehemiah experienced. May my heart be filled with passion for those who need you. Help me to rebuild the fallen walls in my life and in my community, where the enemy has easily penetrated. Thank you for the gift of a new year to fulfill the Great Commission. May every step I take reflect your love and grace. Amen.