The International Sunday Service on August 25, 2024. Emmanuel Makandiwa introduced the central theme—how to defend the ministry that God has given each believer. He made it clear that while it is often easy to receive a ministry from God, it requires wisdom, strategy, and effort to protect and sustain it. Using the story of Nehemiah as a foundation, he explored the profound lessons that can be learned from Nehemiah’s dedication to rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. This historical narrative was not just about physical construction but was rich with spiritual symbolism and practical application for today’s believers.

Emmanuel Makandiwa explained that Nehemiah’s mission was more than just a building project; it was about creating a protective barrier that would safeguard the future of Jerusalem and its people. This wall represented the spiritual defenses that are necessary in every believer’s life to protect the calling and gifts that God has placed within them. He emphasized that just as Nehemiah was called to build and defend the wall, so too must believers be vigilant in protecting their ministries from spiritual attacks and distractions.

A key point in the sermon was the concept of burdens as divine callings. He encouraged the congregation to view the burdens they carry, particularly those related to the work of God, as signs of their divine assignment. He explained that these burdens often manifest as a deep concern or passion for a particular aspect of the church or community, and when embraced, they can lead to significant spiritual breakthroughs and the fulfillment of God’s will. He urged everyone to take these burdens seriously, recognizing them as God’s way of drawing them into a deeper level of ministry and service.

Emmanuel Makandiwa highlighted Nehemiah’s background, noting that he was not a professional builder but a cupbearer in a foreign land. Despite his lack of experience, God chose him for the monumental task of rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls. This, Makandiwa explained, is a powerful reminder that God often calls people to tasks that are outside their natural abilities or experience. What matters is not the qualifications one holds, but the willingness to obey and the faith to act on God’s calling. God equips those He calls, providing them with the necessary skills, wisdom, and resources to complete the work.

The sermon took a deeper dive into the strategic aspects of Nehemiah’s work. He pointed out that Nehemiah’s first priority upon returning to Jerusalem was not to rebuild the temple or the homes but to secure the city with a strong wall. This wall was not merely a physical barrier but a symbol of the spiritual protection needed to preserve the work of God. he drew a parallel to modern ministry, emphasizing that before one can build or expand a ministry, there must be measures in place to protect it. This protection could come in many forms—spiritual discipline, prayer, wisdom, and community support.

He also touched on the importance of recognizing God’s provision in the form of mental and spiritual resources. He explained that God often answers prayers not by removing challenges but by equipping believers with a “mind for the work.” This phrase encapsulates the idea that God grants wisdom, understanding, and strategic thinking to those He calls, enabling them to overcome obstacles and defend their ministry effectively. This provision of a “mind for the work” is one of the most powerful weapons against spiritual adversaries, allowing believers to navigate the complexities of ministry with divine insight.

Throughout the sermon, the man of God stressed the importance of resilience in the face of opposition. He reminded the congregation that whenever a great work is being done for God, there will always be adversaries—both spiritual and physical. He referenced the opposition Nehemiah faced from figures like Sanballat and Tobiah, who tried to undermine the work through ridicule, threats, and conspiracy. He used this example to illustrate the reality that spiritual warfare is an inevitable part of any true ministry. However, he also assured the congregation that just as Nehemiah overcame these obstacles through prayer, strategic planning, and unwavering faith, so too can modern believers triumph over any challenge they face.

The sermon was also a call to personal integrity and spiritual maturity. He encouraged the congregation to examine their lives closely, ensuring that there are no breaches in their spiritual walls—no areas of vulnerability where the enemy could gain a foothold. He emphasized the need for constant vigilance and the importance of maintaining a strong, disciplined spiritual life. This includes regular prayer, engagement with the Word of God, and a commitment to holiness. He reminded the congregation that their spiritual strength is not just for their benefit but also for the protection of the ministry and the community that God has entrusted to them.

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