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However you are just in all that is come on us; for you have dealt truly, but we have done wickedly; neither have our kings, our princes, our priests, nor our fathers, kept your law, nor listened to your commandments and your testimonies with which you did testify against them. For they have not served you in their kingdom, and in your great goodness that you gave them, and in the large and fat land which you gave before them, neither turned they from their wicked works." Nehemiah 9:33'35 WEB.

It was a very dark time for Israel. The capital city of Jerusalem had been sacked and burned, and the inhabitants were carried away to foreign countries. Nehemiah was now cupbearer to the king of Persia. Yet, what difference could one man make when such a powerful nation had destroyed his country and carried them off to be servants?

Esther was put in a position of influence for "such a time as this" (Esther 4:14). Nehemiah was also placed near the king and brought him wine. Nehemiah was deeply moved for Jerusalem, and he begged God to give him favor with the king.

He prayed: "Lord, I beg you, let now your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants, who delight to fear your name; and please prosper your servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man." (Nehemiah 1:11).

Nehemiah's prayer was answered. The king took notice, and he told Nehemiah to return and rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. He even provided the materials for it.

The Lord put Nehemiah in the right position and gave him the influence to accomplish the task. Rebuilding Jerusalem was a bad job that no one else wanted. They were under constant threat and ridicule from the surrounding cities. It was so dangerous that one person had to work on the wall while another guarded them with a spear. Yet, in 52 days, the wall around Jerusalem was completed, and everyone knew that God was behind it.

Nehemiah and those with him acknowledged that their fathers had messed up. They had been rebellious and had not followed the Lord but instead chased other gods. That's why their country was overrun, and they were all taken away into exile. This younger generation repented, fasted, and began to seek God earnestly.

Nehemiah prayed and reminded God of His own words to Moses: "Remember, I beg you, the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, If you trespass, I will scatter you abroad among the peoples: but if you return to me, and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts were in the uttermost part of the heavens, yet will I gather them from there, and will bring them to the place that I have chosen, to cause my name to dwell there." (Nehemiah 1:7'9).

Nehemiah and all those with him wrote a covenant and sealed it in Nehemiah 10:1. Then God blessed, restored, and protected them. They completed their work of rebuilding the wall. He lived in a time when his fathers had dropped the ball and destroyed their nation. Yet, he found courage, took a stand, and said: "Not on my watch." They began to reverse the damage done by their fathers. They rebuilt the demolished wall and became the generation that restored Israel.

We are put here for such a time as this, and when we connect with God, we will find our true purpose. So let us follow the example of Nehemiah and take a stand for God, even when everyone else around us has forsaken Him. Let us be the generation that seeks God like no other, the generation that brings restoration.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You for today, for where You have placed me, and for all that You have blessed me with. You are an Awesome God, and there is none like You. I get excited at the things that You do. Show Your power in my life. Lead me, teach me, and help me take a stand for you. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!

Note: FAAD group members (Fight Against Anxiety & Depression) today is"Feel Good Friday!". This event is about lifting up each other up! We all have times when we are weak, but together, we can get through it! We invite you to share anything that may have prompted a good feeling in your heart today. Even if you're having a bad day, perhaps look to encouraging scriptures, prayers or thoughts, and testimonies of God's work. Whether you are suffering from anxiety or depression or just want to help, all are welcome to join!: FAAD Group:

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