After enduring a jarring time of destruction that knocked us off our feet – the past two years for many of us besotted with death, financial loss, fear, political and social unrest, and the spirit of meanness that seems to have swept like a virus across social media – we are now painstakingly rising to face a season of rebuilding.
We don’t really know what we’re doing – this type of reconstruction is unprecedented for most of us.
It’s reconstruction that’s more than just remodeling … it’s using salvageable pieces of the past to rebuild a new framework to our lives. A new normal. An untested, diversified structure that’s bolstered by desperately excavated chunks of the fallen tried-and-true structure, but mixed together with slivers and bits of fresh, new material and bound with cement made of an incredibly strong compound we’ve never before encountered.
We’ve no idea whether this new contraption will hold up against time or storms or enemy onslaught … or not.
Reminds me of the Old Testament prophet Nehemiah rebuilding the destroyed walls around Jerusalem (see Neh, chapter 2). He didn’t know what he was doing either. At least at first. He just knew he had to do something to restore the security of what had been and somehow find a workable new normal.
So Nehemiah and his neighbors – also rebuilding the walls of their own lives – got to work salvaging the ruined old and piecing together something completely new. As they poured their hearts into their work, they were attacked by the outside world for seemingly no good reason except pure greed. Repeated attacks were led by bullies who didn’t share the heart for God and His work; bullies who decided to harass them and cause trouble just because they could; bullies who didn’t mind making life miserable for others just to revel in their own power and political gain.
Sound familiar?
Yep. Sadly, history appears to be once again repeating itself today.
Nehemiah’s encouragement to his friends as they endured attack after attack from their enemies while rebuilding their wall is also applicable to us as we rebuild: “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes” (Neh. 4:14 ESV).
When Nehemiah’s enemies saw that the people would not give up, but instead joined together to keep rebuilding with even more determination, they lost their confidence and retreated. Yep. High-tailed it right out of there.
Did you catch that key phrase joined together? Because that’s important. Yep. There’s strength in numbers.
We, too, can see evil in the world all around us, but still we fight for our families, our homes, and our faith as we rebuild and restore our very lives. We cannot allow the attacks of our enemies to discourage and defeat us. We must join together, not split into even more more factions.
Let us receive spirit-encouragement from Nehemiah and face adversity with the cement of ever stronger trust in Almighty God, who has already defeated the Evil One fueling our enemies.
They just don’t know it yet.
Can’t wait to see them turn tail and run.
How about you, my friend? How’s the rebuilding going on your piece of the wall? Which other builders are you seeking to join forces with?
Debora, I SO needed your post today. I am so thankful that God has given us His Word, and given us people like you, who bring His truths to us just when we need them. He is so faithful and true. I’ve been reading in Jeremiah and thinking about how some of it seems so much like today, and I’m reading in Revelation about how God has it all under control. The enemy may think he’s winning, but oh he’s NOT!
Love you and thank God for you. Kathy
So true, Kathy – Papa God has it under control even when it doesn’t FEEL like it when we read the headlines. Thanks so much for taking the time to write and encourage us all!
Debora, I love your blog post and encouraging words today! Thanks for writing them and for sharing them with us. To answer your question a out “how is my re building of my part of the wall going?” is hard to convey today. Honestly, I think I am struggling to keep re building my life; maybe this time of being laid off from work is a “rest period”. I am praying about it.
Oh, Diane – I’m so sorry to hear that you’re laid off work. I know that must be frightening for you and probably makes you feel that your rebuilding efforts keep falling right back off your wall and crumbling at your feet. I’m stopping right now to lift you in prayer and ask Papa God to bring good heart-friends alongside you to give you spiritual and physical support as you struggle to rebuild in the midst of your attacks. And definitely job security. That’s so important, isn’t it? Love you, my friend.
Wow!!! Your words is so inspiring and motivating. I am focused on Matthew 5:13:16….I am trying to find ways in Christ Jesus to encourage others, and to allow my light to shine through the darkness…I am seeking God all the more for His strength, wisdom, courage, love. People need to see Christ in me, so I try to ask God to use me all the more in every situation.
Many blessings to you!
You just keep being salt, light, and let your actions shine for Papa God, girlfriend! So happy to hear from you!
Deb, really like your sentiments. Some hopefulness in our crazy world. Well said.
I completely agree!
Thanks, Cindy. Now we just have to get the word, “Unite!” out before we all get discouraged. Hugs to you, my friend.
Yes! Hugs to you too !
We surely do need more hopefulness, don’t we? We’d love to see you when you come down to your brother’s this spring! Please let us know and we’ll trek over.
Oops – my message about visiting your brother was to Amy!
Deb, we certainly need God and our super-loving BFFs to come alongside us when we are trying just to keep our heads above the water. Thanks for being that BFF to me this week! You are a special blessing!!
Dearest Sandi, I’ll be happy to stand by you, covering your back with my sword while you rebuild your piece of the wall!