The Weekly Word: Rebuilding

By Pastor Paul Phillips, Gospel Lighthouse Church, Floyd

Storms can wreak havoc on a community. We all face them. Some come without warning with little time to prepare.

They can arrive in the form of illness, accidents, infertility, divorce, addictions, infidelity, etc. We have all witnessed what happens when a storm rips through a family and they must rebuild again and get accustomed to their “new” normal.

Maybe you can relate. Maybe you are in a season of rebuilding right now.

The Bible has some words of wisdom for rebuilding after a storm. There is a story in the Old Testament that has been a great encouragement to those who desire a fresh start and are hoping to rise from the ruins and rebuild their lives, one brick at a time.

Nehemiah and a small group of Israelites began rebuilding the burned walls of Jerusalem. It was a daunting task for them. They faced many obstacles. Their enemies taunted and ridiculed them.

When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall he exploded in anger, vilifying the Jews. In the company of his Samaritan cronies and military he let loose: “What are these miserable Jews doing? Do they think they can get everything back to normal overnight? Make building stones out of make-believe?”

At his side, Tobiah the Ammonite jumped in and said, “That’s right! What do they think they’re building? Why, if a fox climbed that wall, it would fall to pieces under his weight.” — Nehemiah 4:1-3

But their enemy’s mocking tones didn’t stop Nehemiah and his crew. They kept rebuilding until their job was finished.

So the wall was completed in fifty-two days. — Nehemiah 6:15

What was Nehemiah’s secret? How did he keep from becoming discouraged and giving up? The Bible gives us the answer in the following verse:

Then as I looked over the situation, I called together the leaders and the people and said to them, “Don’t be afraid! Remember the Lord who is great and glorious; fight for your friends, your families, and your homes!” — Nehemiah 4:14

Nehemiah provides three biblical responses when rebuilding after a storm:

• Do not fear.

• Remember the Lord.

• Fight for what is right.

Let’s obey these three biblical commands whenever we must rebuild after a storm. God is still in the business of rebuilding broken lives. He’s the Master Builder.