Restoring the Broken

By Joan Buchanan

Nehemiah 1:1-11

Reflection: One has said that Nehemiah was called not only to the workings of his hands, but the workings of his heart. His name means, “Yahweh consoles.” It would do us all well to take a good look at Nehemiah’s life. He was unselfish and reached beyond himself to help restore the broken lives of those who were crying out for help. God touched one man's heart and used him to restore broken people. Please, do not ever devalue the life of one person yielded to God.

Question: How does it make you feel when you hear about all the corruption, hopelessness, and devastation that grips our world today? Do you sometimes wake up in the middle of the night and sense an urgency to pray? I hope your answer is yes! Such was the case with Nehemiah.

Nehemiah lived in Susa, which today is modern Iran. He was the king’s cup-bearer, which made him a trusted servant with frequent access to the King.

Nehemiah heard distressing news about the plight of his people in Jerusalem. They were continually being harassed by the local enemies, the walls of their city lay in ruins, and they had no protection against their adversaries. Nehemiah was brought to his knees in prayer and wept night and day. He petitioned God for several months. Nehemiah was broken over the despair of God's chosen people about their circumstances - circumstances which were the result of their own disobedience.

As he prayed God challenged him for the mission. Armed with royal authority from the king, he left the comfort of his family and position to the call and challenge of God. He was used to bring about restoration to God's people.

Let’s ask ourselves the question, “When is the last time we wept, fasted and prayed over the enemy's attack against our loved ones?" If we allow the enemy ground, then the wall of our defense will also be broken down.

Like Nehemiah, we must become CONCERNED with a COMPASSIONATE heart. God will then put a CHALLENGE before us and give us the power to be COMMITTED and to COMPLETE the task presented to us.

We can bring down those strongholds and repair the wall of protection. Are you up for the challenge to pray and obey the Word of the Lord? Wonderful! Then come on, let’s rise up and repair the wall of defense and take back what satan has stolen. Ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit! Adjust your armor and come on!

Just talking will not build. Rise up and Build!