Pray for the Dad Who Rebuilds

I have friends who like to restore cars. I have other friends who like to restore houses. Many times we like to restore things because they are broken or because fixing something usually costs less than buying it new. But I think many enjoy the challenge of a fixer-upper because we enjoy the process of building something that is better than what was there before.

In the book of Nehemiah, the walls of the city of Jerusalem were in ruins and the people of Israel were in exile in the land of Babylon. Nehemiah the prophet was in the presence of the king of Babylon when an amazing conversation took place. The king asked him,

“Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill?”… Then I prayed to the God of Heaven, and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.” — Nehemiah 2:2, Nehemiah 2:4-5 NIV

The story goes on to say that the king not only granted Nehemiah the permission to go and rebuild the wall but gave him help to accomplish this task. Like Nehemiah, when parts of our lives need to be restored, grace comes over us to face the challenge, and

we have help through the Holy Spirit to accomplish what must be done.

God is the Great Builder. He’s the One who built the universe by speaking it into existence; and then, when sin entered and His creation was separated, He sent His Son into the world so a bridge might be built back to Himself. God cares about what needs to be restored in your life, and He will help you accomplish the task.

Let’s Pray

Lord, please remind this dad that You are with him and provide for him even when it looks like his life is in shambles. Remind him that You sent Your Son, Jesus, for his salvation and the Holy Spirit to guide him through the rebuilding process. You stand with him in all circumstances. Please help him take on whatever lies ahead tomorrow. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Continue the Connection

As you pray this week, think of the circumstances or relationships in your life where, like Nehemiah, you need restoration. Ask the Lord to help you rebuild in those areas.

Excerpted with permission from Midnight Dad Devotional by Becky Thompson and Dr. Mark Pitts, copyright Mark R. Pitts and Rebecca F. Thompson.

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Your Turn

Let’s pray today for those who need restoration in their lives, including ourselves. God will help! He’s done it in the past and He’ll do it again. He’s the Master Builder! ~ Devotionals Daily