One of my favorite passages in the Bible is the account of Nehemiah rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem.  Once he felt the call of God to restore the damaged walls, he left his comfort zone and wholeheartedly committed to the work.  His story shows us the incredible results that will follow us when we follow God.

When Nehemiah set out to rebuild the wall, it was no small feat.  This monumental project required hundreds of workers to coordinate their efforts and withstand perpetual threats from enemies to accomplish the task at hand.  Yet, remarkably, the complex mission was completed in just 52 days.

Nehemiah described the scene when the wall was finished. “And it happened when all our enemies heard of it, and all the nations around us saw these things, that they were very disheartened in their own eyes, for they perceived that this work was done by our God” (Nehemiah 6:16, NKJV).

The new wall that stretched around Jerusalem not only stood as a fortress of protection, but it also stood as a mighty testimony to God.  It was obvious to everyone around the city that this remarkably successful rebuilding project was not accomplished with human hands and minds alone; indeed, the workers had received the supernatural help of God.  Through his work, Nehemiah was able to undeniably prove to the unbelievers around Jerusalem that his God was real and all-powerful.  He didn’t even have to preach a sermon; the miracle of God spoke for itself.  What a testimony!

In the same way, when you commit to following God as Nehemiah did, you are sure to build a life that stands as a powerful testimony to others.  People around you will look at your life and realize that surely the hand of God is upon you.

I think about the powerful testimony of the late Billy Edwards, who was a longtime religion columnist for the Henderson Gleaner newspaper.  Though he was born with cerebral palsy, a condition that limited his verbal and physical activities, Billy let the supernatural ability of God shine through him.  He lived a full life, earned a college degree, became an ordained minister, and inspired thousands through his weekly column.  Surely, those who looked at his life could see God’s strength and power undeniably at work.

You may not have a story like Nehemiah or Billy Edwards, but you do have a story.  You have your own testimony.  Maybe God has blessed you with a wonderful family and home.  Perhaps He has protected you in difficult or dangerous conditions.  Maybe He has provided for you in a time of great need.  He may have brought you through trials and temptations or given you incredible opportunities.  Those are all blessings that cause people to take notice.  You may not preach sermons from a pulpit, but your life experiences can speak volumes about the greatness of God.

So, whatever you may be going through today, determine to follow God wholeheartedly.  Then, your life will stand as a testimony for Him.  Jesus declared, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).  It’s a humbling truth to know that each of our lives can be used to impact many others for the glory of God.  Let your light shine brightly for Him!