One of my jobs was as an accountant for a new, up and coming advertising agency. The creativity contained within those walls was astounding! We were fired up and ready to conquer the advertising and marketing world.
Only we were new. And on a budget. But like any good ad agency, we needed an office that would reflect success! We found a space that was perfect, except for a few updates. Because that budget I mentioned was near ZERO, we opted to do the renovation ourselves! And y’all, this was way before Love it or List It, Flip or Flop and Fixer Upper!
We had a wide open reception area, with a waist high counter, that needed to be segregated from the rest of the lobby. All the creative minds decided a beautiful glass block wall would do the trick.
We bought the supplies, and Rick, the owner’s husband, began to build our wall. He slowly, methodically laid the glass blocks. Every row, Rick would make sure the they were level.
At about the half way mark, we were all gazing at the beautiful blocks, admiring the work. Outside, a heavy truck barreled down the street, causing the floor to vibrate. Ever so slightly, the wall began to lean. Then a little more. Then CRASH! The top few rows fell. Shattered. Just like our dreams at that moment.
Rick’s jaw tightened, and he walked away. No words.
What could we do? The only thing was to pick up the pieces, clean up the mess, and get ready to rebuild the wall.
What walls have come tumbling down in your life? What rebuilding to you need to do? Sometimes it’s hard to take that first step. But we must start somewhere.
A great deal can be learned from Nehemiah, who was instrumental in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. The city and the Lord’s temple had been destroyed during the invasion of the Babylonians. The enemy’s army tore down the walls that protected the city. When Nehemiah learned of this, he sat and wept (Nehemiah 1:4).
[tweetthis]If there are walls of brokenness in your life, take the time to grieve. But don’t camp there.[/tweetthis]
After Nehemiah mourned for a few days, he began to fast and pray for guidance from the Lord. Nehemiah prayed over every step he took to move forward (Nehemiah 1:4–11; 2:4, 8, 18, 20).
Grieve. Weep. Mourn.
Then, assess your situation. When Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem, he didn’t tell anyone of the plan God had laid on his heart. After all, rebuilding the walls would be an intimidating task. He went out at night, alone, and inspected the crumbling stones. Nehemiah saw the devastation, and knew he would need help.
Grieve. Weep. Mourn. Assess. Gather your people.
“Then I said to them, “You see the bad situation we are in, that Jerusalem is desolate and its gates burned by fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem…” Nehemiah 2:17a NASB
We can certainly rebuild our lives and our relationships all on our own. But God never intended us to go through trials by ourselves. He intends for us to be a community, a family, His people. Helping one another and bearing each other’s burdens. When we gather God’s people around us, they can pray for and with us, offer advice, or just listen silently while we talk things out.
Finally, know where your success comes from.
“…The God of heaven is the One who will grant us success…” Nehemiah 2:20 (CSB)
God. No matter how many walls or relationships or jobs have come crashing down around us, He is there. He places people in our lives that will help and support us during the rebuilding process. He picks up the pieces of our lives. He restores us.
Grieve. Weep. Mourn. Assess. Gather. Know.
Know that the Lord your God will always be with you.
Oh, thank you Father God, that You are always with us. Thank You that Holy Spirit in us will comfort us and bring to mind things we need to know: that You are God, and you will never leave us! In Jesus precious name, Amen.
Grace be with you,
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