Rebuilding Our Broken WorldSample

Falling to Our Knees

By Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

People respond to bad news in various ways. Some get angry and put their fist through the wall. Others become depressed and despondent. In Nehemiah 1:3, Nehemiah received terrible news about his homeland, particularly about the condition of Jerusalem: Jerusalem was in ruins, its walls and gates destroyed, its people suffering from reproach, distress, and shame. But he didn’t respond in anger or despair; he fell to his knees in prayer.

Read Nehemiah 1:4-11. As you look at the crumbling walls in your life, in your family, in your business, in your world, it is not time to retreat into your comfort zone or maintain a condition of indifference and complacency. Neither is it time to succumb to extreme emotions that can lead to unwise decisions and actions. It is time to drop to your knees and lift your eyes toward heaven. It is time to pour out your heart to God in prayer, just as Nehemiah did.

The walls of our society have fallen. They no longer protect us. We can no longer take comfort behind the walls of our government or our laws or our economy. We can no longer take comfort behind the walls of this political party or that political officeholder. But these are yet great days for Christians. We have the opportunity to witness the powerful hand of God. In times like these, God is able to work miracles. And He will do it through you as you submit to His leading.

All across this land, all across the globe, God is raising up Nehemiahs. He is raising up people who will step up and lead, who will kneel down and pray, who will lift up their eyes to God, who will stand in the gap, and who will help to rebuild the walls of righteousness. God is raising up men and women of Nehemiah-like character and Nehemiah-like faith who will weep in anguish over the broken walls, burned gates, and shattered lives of the people all around. God is raising up people who will lay hold of the mighty power of prayer. God is raising up people who will take Him seriously, take Him at His Word, and spend significant time in His presence.

Do you mourn for the brokenness of the world? Are you ready to see God act -- to see His name praised? It is time to get on your knees and let God make you a Nehemiah.

Prayer: Father, thank You for the immense privilege of coming to You in prayer. May I never take it for granted, but remember the power that is behind my prayer: You, the Lord of all. Help me to trust in You and ask great things for Your glory, according to Your will. Use me to rebuild what is broken around me. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live” (Psalm 116:2).