This sermon launches a six-week series through the book of Nehemiah, emphasizing that the Bible is one continuous story of God's rescue and restoration plan. The message focuses on how God's work begins not with grand plans or qualifications, but with a burden He places on ordinary people's hearts. Through Nehemiah's example, we learn that calling emerges from burdens that drive us to prayerful dependence on God. The sermon challenges believers to pay attention to what breaks their hearts, recognizing that God often positions His people long before revealing their calling. Rather than rushing to action, God draws burdened people into His presence to form them before assigning them tasks. The message emphasizes that God doesn't need us but delights to use us, choosing ordinary people in ordinary roles to accomplish His extraordinary purposes.

Main Points:

God’s work begins with a burden

Burden leads to prayerful dependence

God uses ordinary people in ordinary roles

Scripture Referenced:

Nehemiah 1:1-11 (main passage); Philippians 1:29; Exodus 2; 1 Corinthians 9:16; 2 Corinthians 1:8-9; Psalm 121:1-2; Isaiah 26:3; Psalm 27:14; John 15:7; Deuteronomy 8:2-3; 1 Corinthians 1:26-27

Community Group Guide:

Begin with Prayer

Read Together: Nehemiah 1:1-11

What stands out to you most about Nehemiah's response to the news about Jerusalem?

Look at Nehemiah's prayer (verses 5-11). What does it reveal about: His view of God? His understanding of Israel's history? His approach to bringing requests to God?

Sermon Discussion Questions:

The sermon distinguished between complaints and burdens. What's the difference? Have you ever confused the two in your own life?

Think through the circles mentioned in the sermon (family, church, neighborhood, city, world). As you move through these circles, what do you see that you can't unsee? What consistently grabs your heart?

Nehemiah prayed for 4-5 months before acting. When have you experienced God using a waiting period to shape you rather than just “delay” you?

The sermon stated: "Before God rebuilds anything through us, He rebuilds something in us." What does this mean practically? Can you think of biblical examples beyond Nehemiah?

How does understanding that God uses "ordinary people in ordinary roles" (1 Corinthians 1:26-27) challenge or encourage you?

Personal Reflection and Practical Application Burden Inventory

Set aside an extended time for prayer.

Move through the circles (family → church → neighborhood → city → world).

Journal about what consistently breaks your heart in each area.

Ask God: "What won't You let me ignore?"

If you are able to identify a burden you can't ignore, consider setting a reminder to consistently lift it to the Lord in prayer, asking Him to guide you in His timing and next steps.

Serving:

If you're not currently serving at Watermark Fort Worth or within your local community, reach out to the church this week to explore serving opportunities.

If you are serving, reflect on how God used burden to lead you there and thank God for His work in your life and the opportunity to be used by Him for greater purposes.

Worship Setlist:

Bless God; The Heart of Worship; Hosanna; It Was Finished Upon that Cross; Abide