Can you recall a time in which you, something, or maybe someone was broken whether physically, mentally, or spiritually? If so, what did or are you doing about it? Sometimes we are arrested in our emotions, other times we act without thinking. And, probably most times, we do nothing because we don’t know what to do or how to do it. We can find a powerful blueprint for rebuilding, not just physical walls, but any brokenness in our lives or communities in the book of Nehemiah.

1. Seeing the Need (Nehemiah 2:12-16)—Nehemiah observed with his own eyes that there was devastation and brokenness and before doing anything he took some time to inspect the walls of Jerusalem. Never disregard the devastation or brokenness you observe. It’s possible that others may not see it because it may not be their devastation to fix. Moreover, we learn from Nehemiah that before we can rebuild our lives or the broken areas around us, we first need to take a step back and assess the situation.

Reflection: What have you observed in your life or community that needs rebuilding? Have you taken time to reflect on them honestly?

2. Prayer Before Action (Nehemiah 1:4-7)—Nehemiah didn’t rush into action by gathering resources or planning without understanding the full scope of the problem and spending some time in prayer. He called out to God, acknowledging the dire situation and asking for His help and favor. His strategy wasn’t just about giving him wisdom on knowing what to do but that God would be in control to lead and provide.

Reflection: Do you start your day and activities with your own plans, hoping that God will be a part of them, or do you seek God’s will first and look for how you fit into His plan?

3. Envisioning Restoration—Nehemiah did not merely state the problem; he also offered a vision for the future. “Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem,” he urged. His vision was clear: rebuilding the wall would bring security, honor, and stability to Jerusalem and restore their identity, dignity, and their connection with God, this was about more than laying stones and securing gates. Nehemiah’s ability to cast a compelling vision was vital in motivating the people to act. In our lives, the process of rebuilding often requires more than just a desire to fix what is broken. It requires a clear vision of what we hope to achieve. Jesus offers us that vision of wholeness, healing, hope, and restoration.

Reflection: What would it mean to you to be redeemed and restored back to your original purpose and beauty for which God designed you?

4. Involving Others in the Work. “Come, let us rebuild.”—Nehemiah recognized that rebuilding is not an individual task. Yes, Nehemiah was the leader with a purpose and calling, but he understood the importance of communal effort. The people needed to unite in their task, and Nehemiah provided the vision to bring them together. As Christians, we are not the body, but part of it (1 Corinthians 12:27). Therefore, we need correction, support, and wisdom to become restored.

Reflection: Who can you call to help you pick up the heavy pile of dirty bricks (mess) in your life, pray for you, encourage you, remind you of who God says you are?

5. Anticipating and Overcoming Opposition (Nehemiah 6:15-16)—In the subsequent chapters of Nehemiah, we see that the rebuilding project faced significant opposition. Despite their mockery and threats, Nehemiah remained focused and resolute, relying on God’s strength and guidance. Nehemiah remained focused on the task at hand.

Reflection: What are those stumbling blocks? What are the insecurities, deceptive lies, and whispers the enemy uses to try and get at you? In the midst, remember who God has called you to be and the task He has called you to accomplish.

6. Celebrating and Giving God Glory (Nehemiah 12:27-43)—Nehemiah didn’t take the glory for himself after the walls were rebuilt. He gathered the people together to celebrate the victory, giving all honor and praise to God for His faithfulness. Completing the wall wasn’t just a personal victory but a testimony to God’s greatness.

Reflection: After achieving a goal or overcoming a challenge, do you take the time to celebrate and thank God for His guidance and provision?

In Closing: Nehemiah’s approach to rebuilding the wall started with a prick of the heart, recognizing something is not in its original state—that could be us, our communities, those that we know. We need clear vision, prayer, a committed team, focus, and trust in God to do anything about it. Just like Nehemiah, we can rebuild the areas of our lives, communities, or even society—one step at a time, leaning on God’s strength and guidance.