Ezra 4:2, 10

She was at the end of her rope. Feeling empty from her guilt and shame, she found herself incredibly lonely and in despair. How do we find hope when we’re living in despair? The answer is found in the story of “The Woman at the Well” in John chapter 4, in what we call a "Perspectives Study".

Picking up where 2 Chronicles ends, Ezra describes the return of exiles to Jerusalem and the eventual rebuilding of the temple. Using the influence of pagan kings and unbelieving rulers, God was faithful to bring his people back to the land and reestablish worship at the temple.

This plan is a guide to discover God’s story as it unfolds in the Bible - from Genesis through Revelation. Over 12 days, each devotional will introduce one part of that story. Each will list the Scripture passages covering that period, and dates, highlight its main points and briefly summarize the part it plays within the context of God’s redemptive plan. The Bible reading each day should take about 30 minutes.

Do you feel like you are in a season of loss and ruin? After decades of captivity, the Jews were allowed to return to Jerusalem, only to find the city in ruins. The books of Ezra and Nehemiah detail God's faithfulness to his people as they rebuilt their homeland and offer encouragement to you when you need to rebuild too.