In the first chapter of Nehemiah, we learn that Nehemiah’s heart was broken when he heard that the walls around the city of Jerusalem were in disrepair. While Nehemiah was in a place of prestige and importance, he was willing to sacrifice that position, travel back to Jerusalem, and dedicate himself to rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah understood that without walls around the city, Jerusalem was in danger of being destroyed or ransacked again by other groups of people living around them. 

Once Nehemiah began the work of getting the people together to rebuild the walls, opposition quickly came in the form of a neighboring group of people. The opposition leaders decided that they needed to stop the work by killing Nehemiah if necessary. When confronted with the opposition, Nehemiah refused to give up his place working on the wall. He said to his enemies, “I am doing a great work and cannot come down” (Nehemiah 6:3). The Bible tells us Nehemiah had to refuse their request five times. Despite this opposition and much more in the days ahead, God strengthened His people, and they completed the walls in only 52 days. 

Nehemiah reminds us of the importance of staying focused on the task to which God has called us. It is so easy to get distracted in the world in which we live, and yet God has called us to be focused on doing His will. Point kids to see how they can ask God to help them remain focused on His will and His plan for their lives. Invite kids to ponder God's mercy and power, knowing He will help them to accomplish whatever He calls them to.