Nehemiah Chapter 2: Keep on Building

    This week, we’ll continue our study of Nehemiah. Nehemiah’s perseverance really inspires me. He saw a problem, he prayed about, and then he did something about it. There are a lot of problems in this world. There is injustice, crime, and poverty. There is sadness, loneliness, and depression. There is hate, evil, and rage. None of these things are desirable, but they are here. None of these things are sought after, sacrificed for, or cherished but there are here. The things we long for, strive for, and sacrifice for seem so out of reach. We desire peace, mercy, justice, and righteousness but sometimes all we see is misery.

    Nehemiah saw past the problems of his current situation and took steps to make changes. When all we see is darkness, we will blind ourselves to the light. But when we ask, seek, and knock the Lord will open our eyes and not only give us the direction, but also give us the will to act to fulfill his good purpose (Phil 2:12-13). Prayer is a powerful tool. We can accept the situation we are in or we can reject the promises of the world. The world promises us riches, fame, and glory in exchange for our soul. Christ frees us and forgives us of our past sin and gives us riches and glory beyond what we can imagine (1 Cor 2:9).

    Let us then pray that the strength of Christ be in us. Let us pray that the Spirit’s promises made through Paul in Philippians 2 will be fulfilled in our lives. Let us pray that we have eyes to see like Nehemiah, who saw not only injustice but a path to justice. Who saw not only despair but a path to rejoicing. Who saw not only evil but also love.

       How will God use us to make the world a better place? Where are the opportunities I’m blind to? Open my eyes Lord, and give me the strength I need to always be following after you!