Nehemiah 2:11-20 | The Hand that Strengthens Us

There are moments when God places something in our hearts that feels far bigger than us.

A burden.

A calling.

A need we can’t ignore.

That’s where we find Nehemiah.

He arrives in Jerusalem to a city in ruins—walls broken, gates burned, people discouraged. Yet before he organizes, before he speaks, before he acts…

He waits.

“So I came to Jerusalem and was there three days…” (Nehemiah 2:11)

Sometimes the most spiritual thing we can do is be still.

Nehemiah teaches us that God’s strength is often deposited in quiet places long before it is displayed in public ones. God was strengthening him privately before using him visibly.

Nehemiah later testifies,

“I told them of the hand of my God which had been good upon me…” (v.18)

Not his brilliance.

Not his leadership ability.

Not his confidence.

The hand of God.

That same hand still strengthens God’s people today.

God never calls us to something He does not also supply strength for. He does not promise an easy road, but He does promise His presence. And His presence makes all the difference.

Opposition came quickly for Nehemiah. Mockery. Criticism. Resistance.

Yet Nehemiah responds with calm confidence:

“The God of heaven Himself will prosper us; therefore we His servants will arise and build.” (v.20)

That’s not arrogance.

That’s assurance.

When God’s hand is on a work, His strength is enough—even when ours is not.

Maybe God has placed something on your heart.

Maybe you feel inadequate.

Maybe you feel tired.

Take heart.

Before God rebuilds walls, He strengthens servants.

Before God changes circumstances, He stabilizes hearts.

You are not called to rely on your own strength.

You are called to rely on His.

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