For my Bible reading today, I read in the book of Nehemiah. We are going through a series on Nehemiah at our church.  The series is titled “Nehemiah: Rise & Build”.  I am struck by the fact that Nehemiah felt called to leave his comfortable position of being cupbearer to King Artaxerxes in order to go to back to Jerusalem to rebuild the wall that was destroyed.  He had to be brave to ask the king for permission to do this and he had to be bold to execute this mission.

Being a cupbearer was an official, loyal, and lucrative position. Cupbearers needed to be trustworthy because in this time period people would often try to poison a king or someone who held a great deal of power and prestige.  Nehemiah had to guard the cup and sometimes drink the first sip before the king to make sure the wine was not tainted.   Nehemiah proved to be an honest and devoted cupbearer because when he approached King Artaxerxes about leaving to rebuild the wall, the king granted his request and even gave him some supplies and letters of approval.  This was a huge answer to Nehemiah’s prayer.

Where in our lives do we need to rise up and build? Are we in a position, a situation, or a lifestyle that is too comfortable?  Can we leave these comforts and follow the calling on our hearts?  Can we rebuild relationships, work with the homeless community, fight for injustices, and share the good news with our neighbors?  There are so many areas in our gorgeous, manufactured bubble of southern California that need rebuilding.

For me, I needed to step away from teaching to focus on my family.  I want to make sure I am pouring into our foundation to make it firm and lasting.  Time is so fleeting and I cannot buy back this time with my girls and my husband.  But, this does not mean that it will be easy.  I have to roll up my sleeves, make sacrifices, and put in the hard work to see the sturdy results.  The fruit of my labor will be an even more beautiful bond with my girls and husband—-one built on faith, hope, trust, respect, and love.

This is what drove Nehemiah to rebuild the wall. He wanted that firm foundation to stand tall symbolizing faith, hope, trust, respect, love, and the passage of time.

I watched a movie called “About Time” recently. The men in the family are able to travel back in time, but it’s a secret to the women.  After the death of his father, the leading male in the movie realizes that he needs to live fully in the present and savor each day to its utmost potential.  This becomes more precious  to him than traveling back in time.  This is what life is truly about—-savoring the moments.  Living each day as though it was your last.  (Sidenote—-I recommend this somewhat quirky, British based, independent- feeling  movie.  It  really has a lovely message.  Sorry if I spoiled the ending for you, but you’ll still enjoy it.)

I think Nehemiah was doing this. He wasn’t sulking about the days of old and living in the past, but rather focusing on rebuilding for the future.   If we are constantly being nostalgic for “the good old days”, our present will never look good to us.  Our minds will not be able to focus on what God wants us to work on today, so we can leave a legacy for days to come.

Let’s rise and build in the places God is calling us to, my friends. Be Brave on the Narrows.