Day 107 – Nehemiah: Rebuilding the wall

“When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven. Then I said, “O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome god who keeps his covenant of unfailing love with those who love and obey his commands, listen to my prayer! Look down and see me praying night and day for your people, Israel. I confess that we have sinned against you. Yes, even my own family and I have sinned!” Nehemiah 1:4-7 NLT

Reading Nehemiah 1:1 to Nehemiah 7:73

Even though the returned exiles have been in Jerusalem for many years, the walls of the city remain unrepaired, leaving its people defenceless and vulnerable. Upon hearing this news, Nehemiah prayed and fasted before the Lord, seeking counsel and requesting permission from the Persian king to return to his land. He used prayer and his talents to overcome numerous obstacles during this period, but persevered until the project was completed.

Nehemiah’s life is an example of leadership and organisation. Giving up a comfortable and wealthy position in Persia, he returned to a fractured homeland with the mission in his heart to make it whole and unite the people with God and their promised land.

Prayer: Father, what seems broken and irreparable to us are the beginning of the beauty of Your work. At times, we feel our lives are too broken and lying in pieces like the walls of Jerusalem. Thank You, Lord, that You always have a plan of restoration and reconciliation. Amen.