Have you ever asked God for that one perfect plan for your life and got up from prayer with nothing? Nehemiah rode around the ruined walls of Jerusalem by night and saw more there than rubble (Nehemiah 2). The sermon shows that asking about God’s good hand at work around us changes more than asking for our own private script, because his plan has room for everyone, whoever you are. Listen and look for the place where your life fits into what God is already doing.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- Nehemiah arrives in Jerusalem and inspects the broken walls carefully, at night and in secret (Nehemiah 2:11-16). Why do you think he went about it this way, and what might he have been feeling?
- In Nehemiah 3, priests, families and people from Jericho each build their own section of the wall. What does this picture tell us about how God carried out His plan for Israel?
- Nehemiah doesn't ask God for a plan for his own life, but how he can join in God's plan. What practical difference is there between these two questions, and which one is closer to how you pray?
- The people of Jerusalem saw rubble every day, but through Nehemiah they saw the gracious hand of God. Where do you notice God's care and work in your life right now?
- Enemies mocked them, yet the people said: let us rise up and build. What most often keeps you from putting your hands to good work?
- The speaker encouraged us to pray: God, what are You doing in my family, my workplace and my neighbourhood? What section of the wall could you build this week where God has placed you?
