From the Desk of Melissa Reinert

“So I answered them and said to them, “The God of heaven Himself will prosper us; therefore we His servants will arise and build…” Nehemiah 2:20a

Nehemiah wept when he heard the news that his homeland was in despair and disarray. He was heartbroken. He fasted and prayed to God. He begins His prayer by calling God “awesome” He did not cease to praise and honor the Lord, just because he was distraught over the situation of his homeland.

He also asks the Lord for forgiveness of sins of his people and that the Lord hear Him and remember His covenant with the children of Isreal. He admits the fault of Isreal and He asks the Lord to send Him back to his homeland so that He may rebuild it.

The Lord shows Nehemiah favor, and he goes to rebuild his homeland. His news of God’s willingness to send him to rebuild, encouraged those in despair. In Nehemiah 2:18b: “So they said, ‘Let us rise up and build.’ Then they set their hands to this good work.”

Others laughed. Nehemiah was not discouraged. He answered them saying, “The God of heaven Himself will prosper us; therefore, we His servants will arise and build…”

As we begin a new year, many are or have set for themselves goals or resolutions. Some may be simple, others lofty like the rebuilding of a life. Don’t be discouraged as you are three days in and reaching your “new beginning” has already proven a challenge. Take a page from Nehemiah, pray. Our awesome God will hear you. He will show you favor. He will prosper you. Arise!