"Building Better Together" Devotional
Nehemiah Part 2
Part of Devotionals
February 8, 2022

We’ve all heard the phrase “Better Together.” There’s even a popular hashtag we use to drive the point home. The truth is that relationships are essential to accomplishing God’s plan for our life; however, society is fervently working against us. For the past thirty years, deep and meaningful relationships in America have been on the decline, and a worldwide pandemic didn’t help.

In the last few years, we’ve faced solitude and disconnection more than ever before. It’s left the door wide open for the enemy to attack. He knows that the greatest asset we have in our walk with Christ is other people, and he’s going to do everything he can to keep us from building these important relationships.

Journal: In what way have you felt isolated in the past few years and how has this affected your walk with God?

A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. —Ecclesiastes 4:12

To accomplish great things for God, it’s going to require great relationships. We can’t live the life God has called us to live without others standing by our side. It’s not just about making friends; it’s about becoming a family. God is calling us to something deeper. To make a heavenly impact on the world around us, we must invest in genuine relationships.

Nehemiah recognized that he couldn’t rebuild the wall all by himself. He knew he needed others to carry out God’s plan. With the help of his people, Nehemiah was able to rebuild the wall in 52 days. What we build together is always better than what we build alone.

To ensure their safety as they worked, he even stationed some of his trusted men along the perimeter. At any sign of attack, they would sound the alarm. (Neh. 4:6-23) When we are in God’s will, there will always be opposition. Sometimes we’re too busy to notice when it comes our way. Who do you trust in your life to hold you accountable? Who is close enough to see what you cannot see and speak truth in love? We are fighting a spiritual battle, and we need others to stand with us. Relational accountability is essential to being who God has called us to be. (Gal. 6:1-2)

 

Here are some other weapons you will need for your spiritual arsenal:

  • Prayer
  • Worship
  • God’s Word (Sword of the Spirit)

 

These are the priority of every believer. All of us are called to each one of these things. With this arsenal and authentic, godly relationships in our lives, we can accomplish anything for Him.

Journal: After listening to Part 2 in our message series, Nehemiah, “Building Better Together,” list the genuine relationships in your life that you can trust to hold you accountable.

Activation: In this message, Pastor Michael shared several ways we can build genuine relationships here at Opendoor. Name them here, then choose one to start this week.

Prayer: God, when feelings of isolation and solitude overwhelm me, You are there. When the enemy threatens to use it against me, You shield me from harm. You are truly a friend that sticks closer than a brother. (Prov. 18:24) And while You are all of those things, You have said in Your Word that we need close friends in our lives to stand with us against the enemy (Ecc. 4:12), pick us up when we fall down (Ecc. 4:10), hold us accountable (Gal. 6:1), carry our burdens (Gal. 6:2), and give good counsel (Prov. 27:9). I pray that you would be present in my friendships, give me discernment to choose them well. Draw us together in deeper community with one another and toward greater unity with You, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. Thank You, Jesus. Amen