So we built the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work…So it was, from that time on, that half of my servants worked at construction, while the other half held the spears, the shields, the bows, and wore armor; and the leaders were behind all the house of Judah. Those who built on the wall, and those who carried burdens, loaded themselves so that with one hand they worked at construction, and with the other held a weapon. Every one of the builders had his sword girded at his side as he built. And the one who sounded the trumpet was beside me.””  (Nehemiah 4:6, 16-17)
 
God’s calling affects everything we do, including the smallest and most routine things. And the very heart of that calling is the ministry of reconciliation—bringing lives that are moving away from the Lord back to Him. Reconciliation is God’s heart for His creation, and He calls us to it.
 
We are uniquely called and specifically gifted with spiritual abilities. As disciples, we discern the area of gifting—your gift is unique to you, mine unique to me. We learn more about how each person specializes and accomplish more by putting it all together and working alongside one another. “So we built the wall. . . for the people had a mind to work.” 
 
The believer’s highest sense of fulfillment comes through their spiritual gifting, given them by the Lord. Every person is created this way, and each has unique abilities to specialize in building the Kingdom—each is appointed to do certain things. 
 
Some choose to live to themselves, ignoring the call, squandering the gift, and blind to divine purpose. Don’t do that—don’t waste what God has given you. Rather, invest it! Ask yourself, do I understand the calling? Do I joyfully contribute my area of specialty? Do I make myself available, using the strengths and abilities God has given me?  
 
Amen.

Nehemiah 4 | 2 Corinthians 5:18-21 | Verses@Once

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