Do the Work. Make a Difference. - The Good Work Part 2 with Craig Groeschel

Do the Work, Make a Difference

Overview

Craig Groeschel challenges every listener to move from holy discontent to holy action. Using the story of Nehemiah—an ordinary cup-bearer who rebuilt Jerusalem’s walls—he lays out four practical steps: seek God, define the vision, make a plan, and inspire others. When a burden is from God, it often points to a calling; small, obedient steps invite God’s power to accomplish more than we imagine.

Context

• Jerusalem’s walls lay in ruins 140 years after Babylon’s attack.
• Nehemiah, neither prophet nor priest, was wrecked by the news and risked his position before the king to rebuild.
• Groeschel links Nehemiah’s story to modern “divine burdens” that stir believers to meet needs today.

Main Points

Seek God Faithfully

• Nehemiah prayed and fasted four months (from Kislev to Nisan) before speaking to the king.
• Faithful prayer includes both long seasons and quick “text-prayers” in the moment.
• Nothing is too big for God’s power or too small for His heart.
• Story: Amy Groeschel prayed for months about helping women in transition. God provided a fully furnished home, later expanding into five houses and a full staff.
• If your vision doesn’t require prayer, you’re thinking too small.

Define the Vision Clearly

• Clarity, not caring, is often the missing piece.
• When asked, Nehemiah answered in one sentence: “Send me to Judah so I can rebuild the walls.”
• If you can’t define it, you can’t do it. Craft a single-sentence vision (e.g., “Lead our family to be debt-free except the mortgage by 2022”).

Make Plans Carefully

• A goal without a plan is a wish; God is a God of order.
• Nehemiah set a time, requested letters for safe passage, and secured timber for gates, walls, and his residence—protection and provision.
• Execute “the next right thing.” Examples: schedule a meeting, take an online class, write a business plan, ask questions before you speak, even “take a bath and go to Target” if you need a date.
• A good plan with passion today beats a perfect plan months from now.

Inspire People Passionately

• Opposition and fatigue will come (next week’s focus), so leaders must lift eyes to God’s favor.
• Nehemiah acknowledged reality (“You see the trouble we’re in”) and cast hope (“Come, let us rebuild…”).
• Share evidence of God’s hand: “The gracious hand of my God was on me, and the king granted my requests.”
• Passion is contagious: “Light yourself on fire and people will come from miles to watch you burn” (John Wesley).
• Life.Church’s 33 campuses and YouVersion Bible App illustrate what God can do with ordinary beginnings.

Key Truths

• The burden you bear often reveals the calling you’ll embrace.
• If prayer isn’t essential to your dream, the dream isn’t big enough.
• Specific vision invites specific provision.
• God honors orderly, faith-filled planning.
• Passionate, truthful encouragement sustains people through opposition.

Response

• Identify what disturbs you most and bring it to God in sustained prayer.
• Craft a one-sentence statement of what you will do about it.
• Map the first three “next right things” and schedule them this week.
• Share your vision and God’s faithfulness with someone to ignite their faith.
• Persist in prayer and action until the wall in front of you is rebuilt.

Closing

Groeschel urges listeners to move beyond inspiration into action. Ordinary people, fueled by prayer and clear purpose, can rebuild walls, rescue kids, heal marriages, and spread the gospel.

“We can rebuild… we can save our people… no longer in disgrace.”

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I turn to You and ask You to forgive all my sins.
Jesus, save me, change me, make me new.
Fill me with Your Spirit so I can do what You call me to do.
Lead me step by step into Your perfect will, into Your perfect way.
My life is all Yours. Thank You for new life; I give You mine.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Resources

• YouVersion Bible App
• Life.Church Leadership Podcast
• Life.Church App