You Are a Kingdom Builder, Mama

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“Then I replied to them, ‘The God of heaven will make us prosper, and we his servants will arise and build, but you have no portion or right or claim in Jerusalem.’” — Nehemiah 2:20

Have you ever thought of yourself as a builder?

I hadn't really thought about motherhood this way until I spent time reading the book of Nehemiah.

But, sweet mom, we are builders in God’s Kingdom.

Every day, we are helping shape our families. We are teaching our children what love looks like, how to respond when things go wrong, how to handle conflict, how to steward what God has given us, how to forgive, and—most importantly—what it looks like to walk with God.

Sometimes building something new requires us to first recognize what has been broken.

Nehemiah Had to Inspect What Was Broken

When Nehemiah heard about the condition of Jerusalem, the city was in ruins and its walls had been broken down. God placed a burden on Nehemiah's heart to rebuild.

After receiving favor and provision from the king, Nehemiah traveled to Jerusalem. But he didn't immediately begin building. First, he inspected the walls. He needed to see the damage before the rebuilding could begin.

I wonder how often God does something similar in our lives.

Sometimes He lovingly brings our attention to an area of our hearts, relationships, habits, or families that needs His restoration.

Motherhood has a way of revealing some of those places.

We may suddenly recognize patterns from our childhood showing up in the way we parent. We may realize that we never learned how to communicate well, manage money wisely, respond to anger, establish healthy boundaries, or process difficult emotions.

Seeing these things can be uncomfortable, but recognizing what needs healing isn't a reason for shame. It can be the beginning of restoration.

What God Is Rebuilding in Me

One of those areas in my own life has been financial literacy.

I didn't really learn financial literacy growing up, and I saw the repercussions of many financial decisions made in my home. As part of my own healing, I've had to acknowledge some of the beliefs and habits I learned surrounding money and allow God to renew my mind in this area.

It hasn't been an overnight process.

My husband is very organized financially and has helped me learn how to stick to a budget and practice better administration. I'm still learning—but I can already see how the work God is doing in me is impacting my son and shaping how he will grow to understand finances.

And that's when I realized:

The work God is doing in me doesn't have to end with me.

My son can receive something different.

And perhaps the same is true for you.

Maybe your rebuilding has nothing to do with finances.

Maybe God is teaching you how to apologize after losing your temper.

Maybe you're learning how to communicate instead of shutting down.

Maybe you're creating healthier boundaries.

Maybe you're learning to rest without guilt.

Maybe you're discovering a healthier understanding of marriage, motherhood, relationships, or your identity in Christ. Whatever it looks like, God can take an area that once carried dysfunction and begin something new.

Breaking Generational Patterns Doesn't Mean Doing It Perfectly

There can be tremendous pressure when we begin talking about breaking generational patterns.

We might think:

I have to get this right so my children don't struggle like I did, but we aren't going to parent perfectly. We aren't being asked to rebuild our families through our own strength.

When God reveals something that needs rebuilding, we don't have to become discouraged or let shame deter us from surrendering it to Him. Instead, we can bring it before God and trust Him to do His work in our hearts.

That may involve confession.

It may involve repentance.

It may involve counseling, wise community, learning something we were never taught, asking forgiveness, or practicing a new way of responding again and again.

Healing often takes time, but we have to actively pursue it.

But slowly, brick by brick, something different begins to take shape.

You Were Never Meant to Carry the Bricks Alone

Nehemiah didn't rebuild Jerusalem's walls by himself. There was a community of people building alongside him. I think we need to remember this too. Breaking generational patterns can be difficult work, but God has given us community so that we can encourage one another, pray for one another, and carry one another's burdens.

You don't have to hide the places where you're struggling.

You don't have to have everything figured out before asking for help.

And you certainly don't have to carry every brick alone.

We have the Holy Spirit living within us, guiding us into truth, and we have the gift of other believers who can walk alongside us.

Arise and Build

I love Nehemiah's confidence when opposition came:

“The God of heaven will make us prosper, and we his servants will arise and build.” Nehemiah 2:20

Nehemiah knew where the success of the work ultimately came from.

God.

Perhaps that's what you need to remember today. When God shows you something that needs rebuilding, don't immediately look at the entire wall and become overwhelmed.

Ask Him about the next brick.

What is one area of my life You are working on right now, Lord?

Then surrender it.

Let Him teach you.

Let Him heal you.

Let others walk alongside you.

And keep building.

Because the healing God is producing in your life today may become part of the legacy your children receive tomorrow.

Sweet mom, you are a Kingdom builder.

The good work has begun.

Let us arise and build.

Let's Continue to Walk Together

You’re warmly invited to gather with us Weary Moms At The Well, a community for mothers seeking refreshment, community, and connection with the loving Shepherd. We meet weekly for prayer and a devotional continued conversation throughout the week.

If you’re looking for a podcast to help you rest in Jesus’ arms, I’d love to invite you to listen to Devotions at the Well —a podcast for overwhelmed moms seeking Jesus amid everyday life.

I would be honored to walk with you as you shine the light of Jesus through right where you are!

Come as you are. Let's meet the loving Shepherd At The Well!