Nehemiah: Brick by Brick

Sometimes life feels too broken to fix. But the story of Nehemiah shows us that with God, restoration is always possible.

In our series Brick by Brick, we’ll follow Nehemiah’s journey from heartbreak to hope as he leads the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls. It all started with one man’s burden, a prayer, and a step of faith.

Each week, we’ll explore what God rebuilt through Nehemiah—and what He might want to restore in us. This isn’t just about ancient ruins. It’s about reclaiming faith, renewing purpose, and rebuilding what’s been broken in our lives and in our church.

No matter where you are, you’re invited to join the journey. Let’s see what God wants to build brick by brick.

Day 1: Compassion Begins with a Broken Heart

True revival starts when our hearts are broken by the things that break God’s heart. Nehemiah did not rush into action when he heard of Jerusalem’s destruction. He sat down, wept, mourned, fasted, and prayed for days. He allowed himself to feel the pain of his people and let that grief become a sacred burden. When we pause to face the suffering and injustice around us, we give God space to shape our compassion into purpose.

Nehemiah 1:1-4 (ESV)
The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah. Now it happened in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Susa the citadel, that Hanani, one of my brothers, came with certain men from Judah. And I asked them concerning the Jews who escaped, who had survived the exile, and concerning Jerusalem. And they said to me, “The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.” As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven.

Reflection

What injustice or pain have you passed by because it felt too overwhelming?
Will you ask God today to give you a heart that aches with Him and show you how to pray for that need?