I’m Working a Double Shift

Years ago, I worked as a server at TGIFriday’s and, if I’m being honest, that still may be my most favorite job of all time (currently in my call and purpose now folks. We can relax :-D). In the job title as you see, it taught me how to serve and I did that very well. The rest of the job was hard work, but it was fun, I made some lifelong friends out of some of the people I served, and most importantly it showed me the importance of serving others. For this, I am forever grateful. What I was not grateful for, however, was any time I had to work a “swing shift” or a double shift. They were long and gruesome so I happily avoided them at all costs. But there were other special shifts I wanted to work called to-go shifts. This is where you worked a normal number of tables during a regular shift, about three or four, and I would also take any to-go orders as well. It was the “easiest” way to get additional money for one shift. Sometimes it was kinda slow, maybe one to-go along with my tables. And sometimes…no. Maybe 14 to-gos with my tables. These nights were never fun. These nights felt like I was working a double shift all at once.

I appreciate these experiences now. They’ve prepared me for handling the high yield situations of life, and they’ve helped me to identify a very crucial point believers need to understand about the life we live and the opposition we face from the enemy and just from life “lif’in.” And when I look at Nehemiah chapter four, I see the perfect scenario in which all of this plays out.

Facing Resistance: The Outside

In life, any work with great purpose is bound to encounter opposition. Nehemiah’s story of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem exemplifies this truth. His people faced mockery, threats, and disbelief on the outside from their enemies, Sanballat and Tobiah. Both of them were excluded from being able to rebuild the wall and didn’t take that well. When they found out it was Neh (as I will now affectionately call him) who was gifted the assignment that didn’t sit well with them and they made sure to make it known how they felt. They tried to intimidate Neh and his people, as well as schmooze those in power to be able weasel their way into positions where they could usurp the power and control in the situation.

The Weight of Weariness: The Inside

If that wasn’t enough…it’s one thing to have to deal with an opponent on the outside. But then there’s the people. As they’re working on the wall, they grow weary. Fatigue settled in, and doubt began to creep among them. They voiced concerns that the task was too big, the rubble too much to handle. The fear of outside attack became a crippling element for them, hindering their ability to focus on what needed to be done to complete the wall. This feeling of exhaustion is something we all know too well—whether we’re pursuing a dream, serving our community, or simply trying to maintain faith through personal struggles. Outside influences are the worst, but I’m convinced that nothing is worst that our own voices in our head, staying with us constantly. When they encourage it’s empowering! When they discourage they are our worst enemy. Yet, Nehemiah teaches us to keep our eyes on the purpose behind the work. Even when we feel overwhelmed by the “rubble” of life, the key is to press forward with faith. God does not call us to tasks we cannot complete. When we are tired, He provides strength, and when we are uncertain, He offers clarity. We don’t need certainty when we have confidence in the abilities He gives us.

Armed for the Fight

To deal with the constant threats, Nehemiah made sure that half of his workers were always prepared to defend while the others continued to build. Each person had a sword by their side, ready to fight off any attack. This is an important lesson for us today. We are called to build something meaningful—whether it’s relationships, ministries, or careers—but we must be prepared for opposition, both external and internal. Being armed for the fight doesn’t just mean physical preparation; it means spiritual readiness. It involves prayer, wisdom, and a deep trust in God’s protection. By staying vigilant and relying on God, we can overcome whatever seeks to disrupt our progress.

Finishing Strong

What stands out most in Nehemiah’s story is that despite the many setbacks and obstacles, the people completed the wall, and in spite of the fears of the people they were able to do so in less time and with HALF the men v. 16. They worked from sunrise to sunset, day after day, refusing to give in to fear or discouragement. This reminds us that finishing strong is often less about skill and more about perseverance. When opposition grows fierce, when doubt takes root, and when exhaustion looms, we must remember the promise Nehemiah held onto: God fights for us. And when we continue the work with that assurance, we will find that what once seemed impossible can be finished in less time than we ever imagined.

God equips His people to not only start the work but to finish it well. When you’re building something of worth, remember that the opposition you face is just a reminder that the work matters. With God’s help, you will overcome it and see the completion of what He has called you to do.

— Jordan Brown

Pastor (Ministries and Outreach) [OV] Church

Rebuilding Through Persistence and Faithfulness

A Vision for Restoration

Nehemiah’s mission to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem was a response to a calling for restoration. He saw the destruction of his homeland and felt a burden from God to restore what was once there. This desire wasn’t born out of selfish ambition but from a deep conviction to bring glory to God. Nehemiah recognized the importance of turning back to God in times of brokenness and sought His guidance through prayer and repentance.

For us today, restoration often begins when we acknowledge our mistakes and seek forgiveness. It may not be the result of one massive failure, but rather a series of small decisions that lead us away from God. However, just like Nehemiah, the path to restoration starts with one decision: to return to God. His mercies are new every day, and He is faithful to restore those who come back to Him.

The Power of Community

Nehemiah’s vision was too large for him to accomplish alone. He understood the importance of community and leadership. The rebuilding of the wall wasn’t the task of one man; it was the combined effort of many people, each responsible for different sections of the wall. Leaders rose up, and alongside their teams, they worked to rebuild Jerusalem. This collective effort not only restored the city physically but also united the people in a common purpose.

In the same way, our lives require the support of others. Whether in personal growth, faith, or any aspect of life, we are not meant to do it alone. When we work together, share the burden, and encourage one another, we can achieve much more than we ever could by ourselves. God uses communities to bring about restoration, and each person’s contribution is vital.

Faithfulness in the Ordinary

Rebuilding a wall might not sound exciting or glamorous, but it was necessary. Much of the work God calls us to do can feel mundane or repetitive, yet it is in these seemingly ordinary tasks that He often brings about transformation. The daily discipline of prayer, reading Scripture, and practicing obedience may not provide instant results, but over time, these small acts lead to lasting change.

Just as athletes or musicians improve through persistent practice, so too do believers grow through faithful obedience. It is not the grand moments that define our walk with God, but the steady, consistent steps taken in faith. Though it may feel boring at times, God is using these moments to build something beautiful, even when we don’t see immediate progress.

Long Obedience

The restoration process is not a straight line. It is filled with ups and downs, victories and setbacks. But much like the walls of Jerusalem, our lives are being rebuilt brick by brick. God doesn’t rush the process but works patiently, allowing each part of our life to be restored in His perfect timing. We may experience times of brokenness, but He is faithful to bring healing and renewal.

As we continue to follow Christ, the growth may feel slow, but over time, we will see the transformation He is accomplishing in us. It’s a journey of long obedience, where God’s grace is at work even in the most mundane moments. Just like the wall was rebuilt through persistence and dedication, our lives are being restored as we walk with Him in faithfulness.

— Louis fischer

Multiply Church Planting Resident

Favor for the Work

Broken for the Right Reasons

Sometimes in life, we find ourselves overwhelmed by personal challenges, sadness, or fear. But how often do we pause to consider the things that break God’s heart? Nehemiah’s story teaches us about focusing on God’s concerns rather than our own. His sadness wasn’t about his own situation but the suffering of his people, and this perspective is something we should strive for. When we realign our hearts with God’s priorities, we begin to see beyond ourselves. Nehemiah’s brokenness led him to prayer and action—a powerful reminder that we, too, are called to be deeply concerned about the things that matter most to God.

Boldness Born from Prayer

When Nehemiah approached the king to ask for help, it wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision. He had spent months in prayer, seeking guidance and courage. His boldness didn’t come from self-confidence but from a deep reliance on God. In that critical moment, Nehemiah prayed again—this time, a quick, desperate prayer asking for favor. This teaches us the importance of constant communication with God. It reminds us that even when we face big challenges, the foundation of our courage must be prayer and preparation. Nehemiah’s boldness was rooted in his trust in God and faithful followership, which empowered him to take risks and act on behalf of his people.

Don’t Miss the Hand of God

As Nehemiah carried out his plans to rebuild the wall, he didn’t shy away from asking for help. He requested letters of safe passage and resources to complete the work. While some may view such requests as presumptuous, Nehemiah recognized that God’s favor was upon him. His confidence was not in his own abilities but in God’s provision. How often do we miss the hand of God moving in our own lives because we’re too focused on our limitations or fears? Nehemiah’s story challenges us to be aware of God’s favor, to boldly ask for what we need, and to trust that God is already at work in our plans.

Opposition Will Come

When we set out to do God’s work, opposition is inevitable. Nehemiah faced resistance from those who didn’t want to see Jerusalem restored. Yet, he pressed on, knowing that the work was not about him but about God’s mission. Opposition often comes from unexpected places—sometimes even from those we thought would support us. Nehemiah teaches us that while opposition is guaranteed, so is God’s faithfulness. We must continue to trust in His plan, knowing that the work we are called to do is for His glory, not ours. The God of heaven will grant us favor for the work if we remain faithful to the mission He has given us.

— AARON DININNY

[Multiply] Executive Director

Rebuilding for a Greater Purpose

The Call of a People

From the very beginning, God has been calling a people to Himself. In the days of Nehemiah, those people were in trouble. The walls of safety were broken. The call of Nehemiah was clear: to restore and rebuild what had been broken. The physical city walls of Jerusalem lay in ruins, but this was more than just a structural failure. The destruction symbolized the brokenness of God’s people, both physically and spiritually. Just as Nehemiah was called to rebuild the walls, we are called today to rebuild what has been shattered in our lives and communities. But this rebuilding isn’t merely for safety—it’s for God’s glory, to establish a people set apart for His purpose.

A Heart of Compassion

When Nehemiah heard of Jerusalem’s plight, he didn’t remain indifferent. His heart broke for the people of God, and he immediately turned to prayer and fasting. His response wasn’t just about the city; it was about the condition of his people. How often do we hear about the suffering of others and feel that stirring in our hearts? Like Nehemiah, we are called to respond with compassion, to stand in the gap for those who are hurting, and to seek God’s will. Prayer becomes our first move, not a last resort. It’s in those moments of genuine intercession that God begins to shape us into the people He’s called us to be.

The Power of Prayer and Confession

Nehemiah’s prayer is a model of faith, humility, and dependence on God. He begins with praise, acknowledging God’s greatness, and then moves into confession. He confesses not just his own sins, but the sins of the people. This is a powerful reminder for Christians as God’s New Covenant people. We are not just individuals in our faith journey—we are part of a larger body. Corporate confession, as uncomfortable as it may be, brings healing and restoration. It acknowledges that we all fall short and are in need of God’s mercy. By owning our sins and the collective sins of the Church, we position ourselves to experience the grace of God in deeper ways.

Boldness Rooted in Faith

Nehemiah didn’t stop at prayer. His faith led him to take bold action. He asked God for favor as he prepared to approach the king with a dangerous request: to allow the rebuilding of Jerusalem. His boldness wasn’t rooted in his own abilities, but in his trust in God’s promises. When we truly understand who God is and the promises He’s made, we can approach Him with confidence. Our prayers can reflect this boldness, as we trust that God is able to do abundantly more than we can ask or imagine.

Rebuilding, whether in our own lives or in the world around us, begins with prayer, compassion, confession, and bold faith. Until Christ returns, God is still calling a people to Himself. The question remains: are we ready to respond and go?

— AARON DININNY

[Multiply] Executive Director