“But you also said that no matter how far away we were, we could turn to you and start obeying your laws. Then you would bring us back to the place where you have chosen to be worshiped.” (Nehemiah 1:9, CEV)
It’s time to re-build! It is always a positive step, whatever month of the year, to sit quietly and determine healthy changes in our personal lives. It is like a rebuild of character, acknowledging that we are ‘People of Worth’ in God’s eyes. Perspective may have been washed away by tragedy, heartache, selfishness, or a sense of hopelessness.
The Jews were in the same predicament. They had been attacked, taken captive, lost their homes and were discouraged. Some had escaped but even their freedom created troubles. They came back to a ruined city. They were disgraced and there was no plan in place to repair their city for safety or for dignity.
God used the prophet Nehemiah to give these Jews hope again. He interceded on their behalf. They were in a mess with no fixed address and no city to protect them. They had forgotten the miracles of the past. God’s promises were forgotten and they had lost hope.
Nehemiah stood in the gap. “Please remember the promise you made to Moses. You told him that if we were unfaithful, you would scatter us among foreign nations. But you also said that no matter how far away we were, we could turn to you and start obeying your laws. Then you would bring us back to the place where you have chosen to be worshiped. Our Lord, I am praying for your servants…”(Nehemiah 1:8-10a)
God was faithful and He is still faithful today. The Jews needed a new perspective and a new start to rebuild not only their homes but also their lives. Can you relate to these people? Are you willing to ask God for the promise to refresh and rebuild your life? I encourage you today to stand before God with the same promise that Nehemiah talked about to reclaim it and move ahead. Maybe you are a Nehemiah that can help others around you and encourage those in need.
Begin today with the help of the same promise he gave to Moses thousands of years ago to rebuild your life and your heart to honor Him. Begin with God, take the step of obedience and He will help you move ahead. No doubt, we will have broken walls and broken lives, but God is in the business of helping rebuild.
“On the 25th day of the month Elul, the wall was completely rebuilt.” (Nehemiah 6:16) It happened to them and it can happen to you!
All-powerful God, thank you that You are in the business of building broken walls and lives. You always keep Your promises and we are grateful that we can come before You asking help to rebuild. We need Your help and guidance. It is amazing how patient and merciful You are. Today, we want to move ahead with You and we reconstruct our lives. In Your Glorious name, Amen.
Question: Where are the broken walls in your own life? What step can you take today to start to rebuild them?If your life or your heart feels like the broken walls of Jerusalem you don’t have to rebuild alone. Email mentors are available.
Linda McCutcheon
Linda McCutcheon was born into and raised in a loving Christian home and accepted Christ at an early age. Along with a theology degree she has worked in various Christian and secular organizations in a variety of secretarial and administrative roles. For 12 years, she raised her daughters as a single mom but recently re-married and enjoys her new start with Bill and a blended family. Her passion is to help women to achieve all they can be amidst the pain and loss in life.
http://powertochange.com/blogposts/2013/02/01/rebuilding-broken-walls-and-broken-lives/
No comments:
Post a Comment