Recently during this time of lock-down, I felt God reminding me that we are always building the church.
Very often I think it would be easy to relegate the job of building to others who we think are more gifted or uniquely positioned, relegating ourselves to bystanders just watching the action from the side, especially at these crazy times we are in.
But as we look to scripture, there is no space for spectators in this journey of faith, but rather the call to be “a priest-hood of all believers” exists no matter the current economic, social and health climates we find ourselves in. So in this season, I believe God is reminding and calling us all afresh to build and speak into lives. No one is excluded. This feels like a strategy for this
time to encourage believers to step up.
A CALL TO ALL
In the incredible Old Testament account of Nehemiah and the rebuilding of the city’s walls, we find a powerful passage speaking about how this was done.
In the first couple of chapters we see that God put the plans for HOW to build in Nehemiah’s heart long before he got to Jerusalem. It feels to me that Life Changers has been given a similar favour and permission as Nehemiah had to impact the city. I believe the gracious hand of God is on THE CHURCH at this time. There are unique partnerships that Life Changers has built over the years with local churches and city officials that has been preparation for this time and the season to come. I believe Life Changers will lead in this season with vision and direction bringing the BRIDE OF CHRIST together in the building again. God has taken back the legal right and historic claim in Cape Town over the years through prayer. (Nehemiah.2:20)
In chapter 3 we see the different families and individuals building the section of the wall that they found in front of them, and then their seemingly “small” contribution is linked to the whole by the adjoining words “next to them”.
Building of this wall started with Nehemiah, but then was activated as different families and groupings with unique and specific skills built the area in front of their homes. They were given permission and materials to build the area in front of them. There were some that built the area in front of others houses, those who did not have the energy or resources to do it themselves. I believe God wants each of us to own the responsibility of building the church in this time. There is an area of influence (large or small) that He has given every single person and the call is to use this area of influence, (friends, family, colleagues and social media followers) to “build the walls that are lying broken.”
Below are three ways to pick up this call for our own lives and subsequently for those around us at this time:
1. BELIEVE IT
Recognize that your contribution is valuable and vital. God has wired you specifically and purposefully, and you have been placed in this city for “such a time as this”. The enemy would love to disqualify you from building the area that you are called to by telling you that your role is not important or essential, but that’s why we need to allow the truth of God to over-ride the lies of the enemy.
2. PRAY IT
Ask God to show you the who, the what and the how. Who must you be reaching out to and encouraging at this time? What specific skills, giftings and passions can you activate in your life to assist people with now? How do you begin the task of adding value to peoples lives at a time where value has been stripped away? The enemy loves keeping our eyes fixed on our weaknesses and where we fall short, where prayer helps lift our eyes away from ourselves to see where the “walls” need to be built up.
3. BUILD IT
Make that phone call. Send that text. Start praying with your spouse. Begin a new rhythm in your kids days. Write that encouragement. Offer help to your neighbour. Ask for forgiveness. Send that money. Share that link. Invite that friend. Whatever it is, no matter how small the first step seems, do it! Don’t delay, don’t put it off, don’t leave it for another moment. Let the building start today!
Shoulder to shoulder, step by step, let’s get building together. And as we all do “our little bit in front of us”, we’ll find that God will do the impossible through us.
This is a call not just to the few or the elite. It’s a call to all!
Blog written by Leigh-Anne Pringle (and Gabe Phillips)
Leigh-Anne and her husband Aidan are parents of three amazing kids, high-school teachers, and leaders in our Life Changers community