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

Building a Life of Christ-Centered Community and Mission

The Blueprint for a Fulfilled Life

We all desire a life that is meaningful and full of purpose. But often, the busyness of daily routines can make it difficult to see the bigger picture. What if the secret to a fulfilled life lies not in isolation but in the relationships we build and the mission we share? The essence of life is not just in surviving, but in thriving within a community that reflects God’s image to the world. This community is where we learn, grow, and become the people God has called us to be. It’s where we move from where we are to where God wants us to be.

From Individual to Collective Identity

In our culture, emphasis is often placed on individualism—on finding out “Who am I?” But in God’s economy, emphasis is not just on the individual, instead asks the question, “Who are we?” as a collective. We were created for community, to belong to something greater than ourselves. From the beginning of time, God has been gathering a people for Himself, a community that reflects His glory. This is not just about attending church services; it’s about living out our faith together, in our homes, schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods. The church starts with the individual, but it never stops there—it grows into a Christ-centered community that embodies the mission of God.

Living Out the Mission

Being part of this community means living with intention and purpose. The mission of God is clear: to love Him, love others, and make disciples. This isn’t just a nice phrase—it’s a call to action. It means sharing the love of Christ in practical, everyday ways—through a coffee with a friend, helping a neighbor in need, or sharing a meal with someone new. It’s about making disciples not just through structured programs, but through intentionality in the relationships we build and the lives we lead. The church isn’t just a building or a Sunday service; it’s a people, scattered throughout the week, living out the gospel in every aspect of their lives.

Growing Together in Community

Healthy things grow, and so does a healthy community. But growth doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens together, as we encourage one another, hold each other accountable, and live out our faith in community. This is why being part of a local church, being involved in small groups, and building relationships within the church is so vital. It’s not just about personal spiritual growth, but about growing together as the body of Christ. When we live out our faith in community, we see the evidence of God’s grace at work in our lives and in the lives of those around us. This is the beauty of the church—a people called together to live out God’s mission, growing in love and unity, and reaching out to the world with the love of Christ. Who is your community? Is it centered on Jesus? What’s your next step in that community? Ask God today where He needs you to be.

— AARON DININNY

[Multiply] Executive Director