A COMMUNITY THAT BUILDS COURAGE
So we built the wall. And all the wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.
Nehemiah 4:6 (ESV)
The people rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall faced constant pressure. They were surrounded by opposition, mocked by enemies, and discouraged by the amount of work that remained. The task was overwhelming, and progress possibly felt slow. Yet Nehemiah records a powerful turning point: the wall reached half its height. It wasn’t because the people were exceptionally skilled or fearless, but because they worked together with enthusiasm and saw real progress on their community project.
This verse reveals something important about how God often works. Courage doesn’t always come before action; sometimes it grows as people step forward together. When individuals unite around God’s purpose, their strength multiplies. What felt impossible alone becomes achievable in community.
The same is true for the church today. Outreach and evangelism can feel intimidating. We worry about saying the wrong thing, or even about doing something that dishonors the name of Jesus. But thankfully, God’s mission isn’t dependent on us. One of the greatest gifts is having brothers and sisters in Christ to work on this mission together! We should encourage one another, share the work, and remind each other that this mission is the most important.
When believers live in biblical community, courage becomes contagious. One person’s faith strengthens another’s faith. One story of obedience inspires someone else to take a step forward. Over time, a community shaped by shared purpose becomes visibly different from the world around it.
Nehemiah’s builders weren’t just working on a wall; they were restoring the identity of the people of God. In the same way, our community shapes how we see ourselves. God did not design us as spectators. He invites us into partnership and participation in His kingdom. As the Holy Spirit forms our community, our shared life becomes a testimony to God's work. People notice when a group of people has a shared purpose and works with enthusiasm, joy and commitment, even when the work is hard.
God advances His purposes through ordinary people who refuse to give up or go it alone.
APPLICATION: Consider where God may be inviting you to step forward alongside others instead of on your own. Ask Him to show you how your participation can strengthen the courage of your community.
PRAYER: Holy Father, thank You for placing me in a community that shares Your mission. Give us the courage to work together with joy and perseverance. Use our shared life to point others to You. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?