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Hi ladies! I’m so glad you’re joining me for this 13-week journey through the book of Nehemiah.

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I didn’t see it coming.

After all, I was perfectly content with the routine I had forged. Laptop on the sofa, an open Bible at my side—a little one-on-one with Jesus in the quiet of the night. That’s where I felt closest to the Lord. That was the comfort I called home.

But then, life shifted.

I found myself in a role I hadn’t asked for—and honestly, wouldn’t have picked for myself. It stretched me. It unsettled me. And for a while, I wrestled with the tension between what I loved and what God was asking of me.

It wasn’t the path I envisioned… but it was the one He placed in front of me.

 As I was thinking about that today, I was reminded of the Israelites in Nehemiah chapter 11, as they set out to repopulate the city. Some moved by choice. Some moved by lot. But both were honored—because both were faithful.

 Isn’t that just how life works sometimes?

Some days we step into ministry excited and ready to take on the world. Other days, God plants us in soil we never thought we’d be standing in.

These “unexpected assignments” can catch us off guard.

 Maybe it’s the mom who thought she’d be working full-time this year—but instead, she’s caring for aging parents.

Or the woman who’s always served quietly in the background—now suddenly leading a group she never planned to lead.

Maybe it’s a job that came out of nowhere.

A diagnosis that changed everything.

A new city. A new role.

A new season that looks nothing like the last one.

But here’s the beautiful part: whether we’re drafted or we volunteer, we have the opportunity to glorify God right where we are. Whether we step in with a willing heart or find ourselves standing in shoes we never expected to fill, the measure of success isn’t how prepared we feel—it’s how faithful we are with what we’ve been given.

Nehemiah 11 doesn’t celebrate status or strength. It honors obedience. Faithfulness. Willingness.

And maybe that’s what God is showing us here—that His eyes aren’t just on the volunteers or the visibly bold. He sees the woman who says “yes” in the quiet, difficult moments.

Who shows up even when she’s tired.
Who stays when it would be easier to walk away.
Who goes to work when she’d rather stay home.
Who stays home when she longs for a career.
Who recognizes the sacred ground beneath her feet—whether she’s embracing a season she’s long hoped for, or surrendering a dream she once held dear.
A woman who blooms where she’s planted.

Not because the soil is easy, but because her roots run deep.

That’s the kind of faith God honors—and that’s the kind of story He’s still writing in you.

Week at a Glance 

Would you like a printable copy of this schedule? If so, click here.

A Note About Journaling
As you move through this study, consider keeping a personal journal nearby. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just a simple notebook where you can jot down your prayers, reflections, and anything the Lord impresses on your heart. This is your space to write freely, revisit lessons, and record your own journey of restoration.

TUESDAY

Visit TWW – Visit timewarpwife.com to read the weekly intro and find the link to this week’s video.

Read Nehemiah 11:1–4 – Notice how some were chosen by lot while others willingly offered to move into Jerusalem.

Read the Study Guide – Reflect on how God values faithfulness, even in quiet places.

Begin Study Guide Questions – Focus on what it means to say “yes” to God, even when it’s costly or unnoticed.

WEDNESDAY

Read Nehemiah 11:5–14 – Pay attention to the diversity of people and roles mentioned.

Reflection Question – Have you ever struggled with feeling like your role doesn’t matter? What truth from Scripture encourages you?

Community Post – Share with the group: What’s one unseen way you’ve seen God use you (or someone else) to make a difference?

THURSDAY

Read Nehemiah 11:15–24 – Notice how priests, Levites, singers, and gatekeepers were all essential to the life of the city.

Read 1 Cor. 12:12–27 – What does this teach about the importance of each part of the body of Christ?

Continue the Study Guide – Reflect on the truth that every role matters, whether large or small.

FRIDAY

Visit TWW – Visit timewarpwife.com to read Darlene’s closing thoughts for the week.

Read Nehemiah 11:25–36 – Observe how even those outside the city had a place and responsibility.

Reflect – What does this show you about God’s ability to use people in many different settings?

SATURDAY

Additional Reading – Read Matthew 4:18–20. What did it cost Peter and Andrew to follow Jesus?

Fill-in-the-Prompt – What are your “nets”? What might be difficult for you to leave behind if God called you into something new?

SUNDAY – No assignments today. Let today be a day of spiritual renewal.

MONDAY

Wrap-Up Reflection – What truth from Nehemiah 11 has impacted you the most this week?

Share in the group – How has God encouraged or challenged you through this chapter?

This Week’s Challenge

Take one small, intentional step this week to serve quietly and faithfully—without seeking recognition. Whether it’s offering a kind word, praying for someone in need, or helping behind the scenes, do it as an act of worship, knowing that God sees every hidden “yes.”

This Week’s Bible Verse

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