Resolve: January 25, 2026
Building Through the Noise: Finding Resolve When Things Get Hard
Good afternoon! If you weren’t able to join us for service this past Sunday, January 25th, you missed a powerful message from Pastor Michael on Nehemiah Chapter 4. It was a timely reminder of what it looks like to stay faithful when life—and people—start throwing stones.
Facing the Mockery
We’ve been following Nehemiah’s journey to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, but this week, the "honeymoon phase" of the project officially ended. As the gaps in the wall began to close, the opposition got loud.
Pastor Michael introduced us to the "villains" of the story: Sanballat and Tobiah. These guys didn't just disagree; they mocked, insulted, and belittled the workers. They called the builders "pathetic" and joked that even a tiny fox climbing the wall would knock it down.
Ever felt like that? Like you’re trying to do something good for God, but you feel insufficient or attacked? Pastor Michael reminded us that Christians aren’t always the most "talented" or "qualified" people in the room—we are simply the ones called to be faithful.
The Secret to Willpower
As the workers grew tired and the "home-sized piles of rubble" seemed endless, discouragement set in. We often think of willpower as a limited battery that just runs out. But Pastor Michael shared a beautiful insight: our "will" comes from our deeper motivations.
Nehemiah didn't tell the people to just "try harder." He told them:
Remember the Lord: Focus on how great and awe-inspiring God is.
Fight for your family: Remember who you are building for—your sons, daughters, and homes.
A Sword in One Hand, a Trowel in the Other
The most iconic image from the sermon was the "ready-to-fight" workforce. To keep going, the people had to be both builders and soldiers. They carried loads with one hand and held a weapon in the other.
They also looked out for one another. Because the work was spread out, they used a ram's horn to signal for help. The lesson for us is clear: we aren't meant to do spiritual labor alone. When we rally together, God fights for us.
Final Thoughts
Pastor Michael challenged us to move past our "lazy culture" of self-indulgence and find true rest in productive, faithful work for the Lord. Whether you feel like a "perfumer" trying to lay bricks or a leader facing a "raid party" of stress, remember: God has already provided the inspiration and the supplies. We just need to step in and do the work.
Stay faithful, stay focused on Him, and keep your "sword" handy!
