One of the greatest coaches of all time, Vince Lombardi, said, “Individual commitment to a group effort—that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.” Nehemiah 3 records the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls by individuals committed to this group effort. Here we can learn several practical and spiritual principles.

I. God's Work Should Be Orderly

II. There's a Place for Everyone

III. Your Service Should Fit You

IV. Some Work Harder Than Others

V. Work Should Be Tied to Purpose

Talk with God: Meditate on Proverbs 3:5-6 this week and ask the Lord to “show you which path to take” (NLT) as you seek His will in every area of your life.

Talk with others: If you’re struggling with brokenness in your life—spiritually, mentally, or physically—ask a mentor or trusted fellow believer to stand with you as you start rebuilding.

Talk with kids: Why can we trust God to provide for our needs?

Nehemiah had come to Jerusalem to fix a problem. The city’s ancient, protective walls were in ruins, the entrances still had scorch marks from almost 200 years before, and the people had gotten used to the deplorable conditions. Let’s consider five ingredients we can apply to fix any problem.

I. Go the Distance

II. Assess the Need

III. Get a Group

IV. Expect a Fight

V. Take a Stand

Talk with God: Meditate on Psalm 147:1-6 this week and rest in the knowledge that the God who calls the stars by name also “heals the brokenhearted” (v. 3).

Talk with others: Encourage your believing friends and family to “not grow weary” (Galatians 6:9) and go to battle for them in prayer this week.

Talk with kids: Why is faith in Jesus the only way to be saved?