How to Turn a Minus into a Plus

Endure!
Written By Drew Kizer

OPENING THOUGHT

Setbacks are a part of life, but God can take anything and work it together for good (Romans 8:28).

THE READING (Nehemiah 1:1-2:8)

After 70 years in exile, the Jews in Babylon began a gradual, three-phase return to their beloved city, Jerusalem. The first phase was led by Zerubbabel in 536 B.C.; the second by Ezra in 457 B.C. The third phase was led by a talented cupbearer named Nehemiah in 444 B.C. Nehemiah’s work focused on rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls.

EXPLORE

Discuss these questions to get a better understanding of the text.

  • What was Hanani’s report to Nehemiah about Jerusalem? How did Nehemiah react?

  • What was the “minus” in the life of Nehemiah and God's people?

  • Look at Nehemiah’s prayer. Did he ask God to take care of his problems for him? What exactly did he pray for?

  • God answered Nehemiah’s prayer. How did he use Nehemiah to turn Jerusalem’s “minus” into a “plus”?

APPLY

Discuss these questions to envision what it would be like to practically live out this passage.

  • Our world, our country, and our church have been negatively affected by the pandemic. What are some of the “walls” we must rebuild?

  • Nehemiah had a gift for vision. Before he visited Jerusalem and assessed the damage, he saw the walls that he planned to build. Why is vision so important to leadership? (see 2 Cor. 5:7).

  • Study Nehemiah’s prayer habits and petitions. What can we learn about prayer from his example?

  • It is said that “those who fail to prepare prepare to fail.” Nehemiah did not approach the king for four months after hearing the bad news about Jerusalem (1:1; 2:1). During this time he was praying and planning. What were the benefits from this preparatory work? (Consider the results in 2:5-8.) How can planning help us rebuild at Ashville Road?

Drew Kizer
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