SWHW Bible Reading Plan: October 2021Sample

Top Takeaway from Somer Phoebus: 

The first 12 chapters of Nehemiah are about a man who saw a need, became burdened for his people, was immediately motivated to action, and was confident in His God! So Nehemiah went and rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem that had been destroyed. Nehemiah was challenged in a multitude of ways, but he was an incredible leader who persevered and the walls were rebuilt! 

Happy ending, right? 

Wrong. 

About halfway through Chapter 12, things begin to change as we start to see God’s people once again blatantly disobeying His law. These were the same people that Nehemiah worked with day-in and day-out. The people that stood together broken-hearted and confessed their sin after listening to Ezra read the law. 

After the wall was finished, Nehemiah went back to work for the king but later decided to check in on the work he had been part of and the people he loved so much. So he went back to Jerusalem, and what he found was not good. 

Read Nehemiah 13:6-14.

It's a pretty disappointing ending to a book full of truth bombs and sermon titles. However, it's a powerful lesson in another way. You see, leaders are always teaching other leaders how to be “successful,” but we forget to remind each other that it doesn’t always end with success. 

Even when we do everything right, the outcome can be a disappointment. Nehemiah did everything God asked of him, and God protected him and blessed his work. But because there was a sin issue in the heart of the people, evil was still present.

What if God had just ended Nehemiah after Chapter 11? Wouldn’t that have been so much better? We could have cheered for Nehemiah and felt so good about the results of his work. It would have been motivating, inspiring, and the happily ever after that we all desire in a great story!  

But then we’d miss this incredible lesson. The Bible is real; it isn’t a fairytale. And it wasn’t written to entertain us - it was written to teach us. 

Nehemiah 12-13 shows us that God is good and that His plan is perfect.

Because of that, I can’t give up or grow weary in doing what He’s called me to just because the outcome isn’t what I had hoped for. 

I can’t control people… I can barely control myself!

But I know Who can, and I know that even when it feels like my blood, sweat, and tears have not produced a big, beautiful, thriving crop, it doesn’t mean that my work was insignificant... and it doesn’t mean that I’m allowed to give up. 

Be encouraged today! Your job is to focus on the work He has for you - not the outcome! 

Dear God, have I been obedient to what You’ve asked of me? Please forgive me for the times I haven’t. Please help me to stay focused on the work You have for my hands instead of the outcome. Give me energy to not give up, encouragement so I can work at it joyfully, and strength to do my best for You. I love You! Amen.