In the Old Testament, we have the story of Nehemiah, who was raised by God to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. The temple was already rebuilt, but the walls of the city were still rubble.
If we make a parallel with our times, as in Nehemiah’s time, our congregations (the Church) are already built on ministries that work and achieve relative success within the Christian environment. But what about beyond the Church? What about our cities? What has happened to our countries?
Just like in Nehemiah’s time, the walls of our cities and countries are still rubble.
Nehemiah was cupbearer to the king first, then a builder, and finally a governor. He was challenged to drink of the cup of the Lord (to follow His will) and lead an entire nation to rebuild the walls of salvation for his nation. The disheartening news about his homeland made this man seek God in prayer until he received an answer.
While waiting, he worshiped God for the faithfulness of His covenant. What did Nehemiah pray? It was a prayer revealed to his spirit, a prayer of hope amid circumstances that seemed without solution.
He responded to this revelation of the person of God with worship. To worship God in the midst of this difficult situation did not deny his reality, but he connected his reality with the God who is real.
God is greater than any problem or challenge on the face of the earth. Nehemiah worshiped and praised God for who He is and brought an impossible situation to the God of possibilities.
Let’s not lose heart in our quest for God. He dwells among the praises of His people, and when we worship, it’s like we’re standing before the very throne where He enlivens our faith and hope.
Let’s rebuild our cities and nations, where spiritual walls are already present to protect us to raise up thankful hearts to the God of the impossible.
“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.” —Revelation 7:9a, NIV
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the opportunity to seek your face and see every situation in our lives through your eyes. Make us instruments that bless our families, our cities, and our countries. In the name of Jesus, amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Silvia Sanchez works as a Program Coordinator Manager for Compassion Peru.
Read all the One in Spirit devotionals.
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