Prevailing Through Problems
Pastor Doug Heisel - February 22, 2026
Isaiah 43:19 – For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.
Nehemiah 2:18b – They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work.
Nehemiah 4:10-11 – Meanwhile, the people in Judah said, “The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall.”
Also our enemies said, “Before they know it or see us, we will be right there among them and will kill them and put an end to the work.”
What to Know About Hardships and Problems
1. Some problems occur simply because we live in a world broken by SIN.
2. Some problems occur because of our own poor CHOICES.
3. Some problems occur because you’re on MISSION, and mission always meets
OPPOSITION.
Key Steps When Facing Opposition and Challenges
1. INVITE God into your problems.
Nehemiah 4:8-9 – They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it. But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.
Receive His WISOM.
Receive His PEACE.
Receive His POWER.
2. Value what OUTLASTS you over what opposes you, and fight for the GENERATION coming next.
Nehemiah 4:14 – After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.”
Four Realities to Know About Legacies
1. You don’t choose whether you’ll leave a LEGACY. You only choose what KIND.
2. You’re WRITING your legacy right now!
3. Bad generational legacies (and curses) can be BROKEN.
4. With God’s help, new CHOICES can lead to a godly LEGACY that’s worth pursuing now.
Psalms 78:1,6 – My people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth.…so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children.
I Timothy 6:17-19 – Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
Life Group Discussion & Questions
BREAKING THE ICE:
Think back to junior high. What were some of the struggles you remember having?
DIGGING IN:
Being committed to God’s will doesn’t keep us from all problems. Nehemiah shows us how to face challenges with wisdom and faith.
Read Nehemiah 4:1-15. What challenges were Nehemiah and the people facing? What are some similar challenges we see today?
One of today’s two key steps was inviting God into our problems. Often we just want the problem to go away; but sometimes the better prayer is asking God for help. Have a few people share a time they did this and received wisdom, peace, or power. Where could you apply that right now?
Review the section on legacy. Nehemiah challenges the people to look beyond their current problem and consider the legacy they could leave. How does that encourage or challenge you? Explain.
BRINGING IT HOME:
What’s one practical step you can take this week with something you’re facing right now?