Stone by Stone

This morning as I meditated and prayed, God began to show me people standing by a low wall that had been knocked down. I could see them pick up a stone to put on the wall but this big mass would get in the way. They would keep trying but it seemed that the mass just got bigger and bigger.  Then the mass showed itself to be a huge man and he was deliberately stopping the people from rebuilding. But then the mass disappeared and I could see the wall be rebuilt stone by stone. You see, there are many of you that have been struggling. You have gone through loss, heartache, disappointment, and frustration. You have tried your best to get back to your old self or be an improved you but some new issue always seemed to stop you from moving forward into your season of restoration. Folks, God is not playing! He is ready to bring you to a place of newness if you will trust Him and believe what He is saying to you. Today, the Lord instructed me to tell you that it’s time to rebuild and the enemy can’t stop you!

 I have been reading the book of Nehemiah for various reasons but early this morning God had me in chapter 4. I was obedient and read it but it didn’t immediately become clear to me why until God showed me that vision. The book of Nehemiah is about Nehemiah's journey to rebuild Jerusalem after the city has been ruined and the walls destroyed by fire.  I encourage you to read the early chapters of Nehemiah because they will help you to see how Nehemiah gets back to Jerusalem through the grace and favor of God. Fast forward to chapter 4 and Nehemiah has gathered various families and groups to work on rebuilding the walls. They have taken on various portions and gates and are making great progress. And then the enemy starts making noise.  “Sanballat was very angry when he learned that we were rebuilding the wall. He flew into a rage and mocked the Jews, saying in front of his friends and the Samarian army officers, “What does this bunch of poor, feeble Jews think they’re doing? Do they think they can build the wall in a single day by just offering a few sacrifices? Do they actually think they can make something of stones from a rubbish heap—and charred ones at that?” (Neh. 4: 1-2 NLT) Sanballat was a Horonite official and he did not want Israel to prosper. Sound familiar? The enemy does not want you to make progress and he will send folks and issues to mock you and attempt to throw you off track. But God is always aware and He will allow you to see the attack coming.

 

Sanballat had that tantrum in front of the people as they are working but they kept going.  Nehemiah prays and the people continue working with enthusiasm and are able to get the wall halfway up around the entire city. This infuriates Sanballat! “But when Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabs, Ammonites, and Ashdodites heard that the work was going ahead and that the gaps in the wall of Jerusalem were being repaired, they were furious.  They all made plans to come and fight against Jerusalem and throw us into confusion. But we prayed to our God and guarded the city day and night to protect ourselves.” (Neh. 4: 7-9 NLT) Sanballat and Tobiah did not want God’s people to be restored and they worked tirelessly to disrupt the rebuilding of the wall and confuse the people. You see, the enemy has all sorts of plans to disrupt your rebuilding process but he can’t stop you. They key is being ready. You have to stay in prayer and guard yourself on all sides so that enemy cannot infiltrate your gates. The enemy attempted to stop Nehemiah on many occasions but he determined that the only voice he would listen to was that of the Lord.

Throughout chapter 4, Nehemiah strategizes and arms the people so that the enemy does not take them unaware but in verse 14, he says the key thing that you can stand on as you fight for your restoration. “Then as I looked over the situation, I called together the nobles and the rest of the people and said to them, “Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!” You do not have to be afraid of the enemy! You serve a God that is great and awesome and if He is on your side, you have the power to fight and to win! It’s time out for giving up and leaving your gates open to attack. It’s time to take a stand and take back what the enemy has stolen from you. Proverbs 6:31 tells us that if a thief is caught, “he must pay back seven times what he stole, even if he has to sell everything in his house.” Satan is a thief and he has built his kingdom with things he has stolen from us! But now he has to give it back. He can no longer stop you!

It’s time, saints! You have been attempting to rebuild your wall for a long time but your own strength could not get the job done. It’s not easy and the enemy will still be working and trying to confuse you. But the Lord is telling you today that He is your strength and He wants to see you totally restored. Let Him help you lift the stones. Let Him fill the gaps in. Let Him take the lead. You see, God sees long range. While you might be seeing an unrepentant husband, He sees the restored marriage. While you might have your eyes on the diagnosis, He sees a whole and healed body. While you might be focused on a negative pregnancy test, He sees a fruitful and productive family. Your results are dependent on who is allowed to lead your restoration. There is nothing impossible with God and there is nothing that the enemy has stolen that you cannot retrieve. Mourning can be turned to joy. Loss can be turned to gain. Death can be turned to life.

It’s time to rebuild, my friends and the enemy cannot stop you! AMEN…