JULY 27–AUGUST 2: REBUILDING
Come Follow Me “I Am Doing a Great Work” Ezra 1; 3–7; Nehemiah 2; 4–6; 8
Coming out of bondage. Throwing off old habits, addictions, toxic relationships. These pertain to us as individuals, and have been at the beginning or renewal of nations. This is the result of repentance - the chance to rebuild.
We had a memorable experience in Paris several years ago at Notre Dame Cathedral. When we heard of the fire there, it sounded devastating. Thankfully, much was saved through miraculous efforts of many hands. And just as miraculous as it being built in the first place, it has been restored. God is in those details.
Are we any less precious? Or miraculous?
“If I were you I would’ve given up on me by now… I used to hide every time I felt I’d let you down, always thought I had to earn my way. But I’m learning you don’t work that way… Somehow you’re still here.”
The God Who Stays - Matthew West
As hard as it is to put mistakes behind us, it is also hard to say ‘I’m sorry’. To acknowledge how we hurt someone, and our attempts to fix what we broke. And it comes down to - we can’t just fix what’s broken - we rebuild something new.
‘In the rubble and the wreckage I’d forgotten who I was... I have seen the dark start to break between the cracks, the beginning of a day I thought would never come to pass.’
Rebuilder - Cliff Preston
A hard fact to understand is that we are tools. Tools and the objective of someone who wants to ruin us, ruin our families, ruin happiness that God wants for us. Ouch, that hurts to admit that.
How can I, then, be an agent to act for myself, and not something to be acted upon? Well, that’s for each of us to decide. And to take action!
‘Pray for the Family - restore the walls, for the church - rebuild in truth, restoration of the Holy Lands, for our morals and our values.’
Rebuild the Walls - Nicolette Swaby
Our efforts may seem small, but each act builds on another. Don’t despair, keep faith, keep focus on where you want to be going, what you are trying to build. And know you’re not alone in your efforts.
Natalie Breckenridge taught beautifully in a Facebook post, ‘You have no idea what’s shifting because you pray. You think you’re just whispering words in your car. Just crying out in your closet. Just mumbling through tears you can’t explain.
But in the spirit? Angels are moving. Chains are breaking. Destinies are being realigned. Demons are losing legal ground. Heaven is leaning in.’ Thank you Natalie.
And thank you REO Speedwagon, from years ago and still singing it today. ‘One small stone at a time, with a lot of love, with some help from above, from your heart to mine. As we seek out understanding, as we learn to forgive, as we open up our mind when our words are true and kind, We are building a bridge.’
Building The Bridge - REO Speedwagon
God bless your rebuilding!