Nehemiah's Response to CrisisNäide

A World in Crisis

A world in crisis—doesn’t that describe what we see all around us? We witness hatred, violence, poverty, exploitation, corruption, and more. People are hurting and suffering everywhere. And yet, sadly, we've become so familiar with these realities that they feel almost normal.

But Nehemiah responds differently. He sees the brokenness around him—and he acts. Though Ezra had earlier led a group of Israelites back to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple, the city walls still lay in ruins, leaving it defenseless. Nehemiah is deeply burdened by this, and he chooses to respond.

He’s not the first person to feel strongly about a problem. We too feel passionate about various issues. But unlike many of us, Nehemiah doesn’t keep it to himself—he takes it to the Lord. Aware of his own limitations, he seeks God’s help. He fasts and prays—persistently—for nearly four months.

Let’s Ponder

Are we praying about the issues that weigh on our hearts and affect our lives? Have we brought before the Lord the burdens of exploitation, corruption, crime, poverty, pollution, and discrimination—not just occasionally, but regularly? That’s what sets Nehemiah apart.