Cupbearer, Not a Contractor
Watch or listen to
the full sermon here.
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel unqualified or overwhelmed by the tasks God may call us to. But Nehemiah’s story shows us that God often chooses the least likely candidates for His greatest works. Just as Nehemiah, a cupbearer with no construction experience, rebuilt Jerusalem’s walls, we too can rise above our limitations when our hearts break for what breaks God’s heart.
Nehemiah’s journey offers four key truths about being an underdog in God’s plan:
Calling Over Competency: Nehemiah was more focused on his God-given mission than his personal skill set. He trusted that God would equip him as he obeyed the call, reminding us that faith often takes us beyond our comfort zones.
Endurance in Opposition: Critics like Sanballat and Tobiah ridiculed Nehemiah’s efforts, but he didn’t let their words stop him. Nehemiah teaches us that underdogs don’t have the luxury of giving up — perseverance is key to fulfilling God’s plan.
Creating a Lasting Legacy: By rebuilding the walls, Nehemiah wasn’t just securing his present, but also creating safety and stability for future generations. Similarly, God uses our obedience today to impact those who come after us.
Finding a Way: In the face of opposition, Nehemiah’s team adapted, working with one hand and holding a weapon with the other. Their resilience is a model for us — no matter the obstacles, underdogs find a way to continue God’s work.
As the story of Nehemiah draws to a close, we see that his perseverance was part of God’s larger plan. Hundreds of years later, Jesus would be led outside the very walls Nehemiah rebuilt to die for our salvation, securing our eternal sanctity and protection. Like Nehemiah, we are called to rise up, trust God, and build something that will last far beyond our lifetimes.
So, what has God called you to build? What steps of obedience will you take today to create a legacy for tomorrow? Let’s trust that, even as underdogs, God is capable of doing great things through us.
