It is a very quiet morning and I've just finished some time awake, alone. Coffee was good but listening in my spirit is invigorating as I prepare for the day.
When I left you yesterday I was looking back, evaluating the present and wondering about what lies ahead. Reflecting can be discouraging, depressing and leave you feeling hopeless, unless you have had a tremendous life. We all do this from time to time.
Today, I was continuing in the Book of Nehemiah and the story of the rebuilding. I was struck at how poorly the remnant felt after surviving captivity. I know I would feel pretty discouraged. Without anyone to help them see tomorrow and get them up and moving I wonder what would have become of them. But the story does have such a person. Nehemiah was the one who felt such a passion for his people that he was bold enough to approach the King and ask to go to them, help them rebuild the city. Once allowed to go he makes the journey, arrives and then surveys the damage. He then proclaims to the people, the remnant, "It is a bad situation, the city is desolate, but come, let us rebuild, so we are no longer in disgrace." He was fanning the ember of hope he recognized in them. They were survivors and they needed to hear that hope lives on, much life to live, things yet to do and generations to inspire. Nehemiah goes on to tell them how God had been favorable toward him and in addition, about the kings approval, directive and equipping. He then charged them to "arise and build."
I know you, my reader, are like me. There are times that circumstances overwhelm and giving up seems better than fighting an uphill battle. All confidence and desire can burn out. But embers are powerful. They are tiny remnants of the larger fire and they can burn on looking, waiting for a moment to ignite again.
What is that thing that you have all but given up on? What is hanging on by a thread to hope? Has a Nehemiah come into your life and tried to get you "up and going?" Are you looking at the ruin around you, determined that it will never change? I bring you hope. I'll fan the ember in you. "Arise!"
Lord, thank you that we have the Holy Spirit that is daily fanning embers in our lives. Overcoming adversity in life is a daily event and we know that you promised we would experience trouble. Help us to take our eyes off the things, situations and ordeals that surround us and get our eyes on You. You are making a way for us, speaking to us if we would only take the time to hear and You are stoking the embers while the Spirit is blowing the billows to ignite us. Touch my readers. Help them to not be discouraged but hopeful. Get us busy rebuilding. Amen
So I've decided to get up, plant my boots to the path and look around me for what I can use to rebuild. As the Lord helps me see 'broken' places that need rebuilt, I'll be ready.
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