DO THE WORK TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Notes & Resources
Written By StevenJBarker

DO THE WORK TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

The Good Work - Part 2 | June 8, 2025

Steve Barker | @stevenjbarker

 

Nehemiah’s Spark: HOLY DISCONTENT 

Nehemiah’s Spark Needs:

FUEL

Holy discontent needs fuel: 

1. Start with PRAYER

In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven. -Nehemiah 1:4b

… I had not been sad in his presence before, so the king asked me, “Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart.” … The king said to me, “What is it you want?” Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king … - Nehemiah 2:1-2, 4-5 NIV

2. Clarify your TARGET

… “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.” Nehemiah 2:5 NIV

3. Clarify your PLAN

Then the king, with the queen sitting beside him, asked me, “How long will your journey take, and when will you get back?” It pleased the king to send me; so I set a time. I also said to him, “If it pleases the king, 

a. may I have letters to the governors of Trans-Euphrates, so that they will provide me safe-conduct until I arrive in Judah? 

b. And may I have a letter to Asaph, keeper of the royal park, so he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel by the temple and for the city wall and for the residence I will occupy?” 

And because the gracious hand of my God was on me, the king granted my requests. Nehemiah 2:6-8 NIV

4. Rally A TEAM

Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. … Nehemiah 2:17-18 NIV

For Discussion:

  • Why is seeking God faithfully before starting a good work the most important place to begin?

  • Why is passion for our good work important? How can it help us?

  • When pursuing a good work, start with prayer, clarify our target, clarify our plans, and rally a team. How can you do one of those things this week?

 

QUICK LINKS:

StevenJBarker https://strongergrp.com
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WHEN YOU CAN’T TAKE IT ANYMORE