Nehemiah 1-2  Fourteen years after Ezra returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple, a group of men from Judah returned to Persia. One of these was Hanani, the brother of Nehemiah.  The news from Judah broke Nehemiah's heart.  He spent days fasting and praying for Jerusalem:

 " I beseech Thee, O God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who preserves the covenant and lovingkindness for those who love Him and keep His commandments, let Thine ear now be attentive and Thine eyes open to hear the prayer of Thy servant which I am praying before Thee now, day and night, on behalf of the sons of Israel Thy servants, confessing the sins of the sons of Israel which we have sinned against Thee; I and my fathers house have sinned... " (v5-6)

Nehemiah confesses his sins and the sins of his people and then he appeals to God's promises - "Remember the word which Thou didst command Thy servant Moses, saying, 'If you are unfaithful I will scatter you among the peoples; but if you return to Me and keep My commandments and do them, though those of you who have been scattered were in the most remote part of the heavens, I will gather them from there and will bring them to the place where I have chosen to cause My name to dwell.'" (v8-9)

Nehemiah prayed and God answered.  It took about 4-5 months, but as Nehemiah served the king, Artexerxes, they had a conversation that led to Nehemiah going to Jerusalem to rebuild the wall of the city.  Nehemiah knew, without a doubt that God's hand was upon him.  Even when opposition arose, he had great confidence... "The God of heaven will give us success; therefore we His servants will arise and build.. " he told his opponents. And so he began. 

Isn't it wonderful that we can trust the promises of God! We can know that He will do what He says He will do.  God's Word never fails and is always consistent.  John wrote, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." ( I John 1:9)

It is the same principle that Nehemiah clung to.. confession and repentance precedes redemption.  Our great God gives us the same promise today.  If we will turn back to Him, with humility.. confessing our sins and repenting of them.. He will forgive us and restore us.  Hallelujah!

Father in heaven, we rejoice in Your great power and Your strong Hand, for You are our Redeemer, our God who reigns in heaven above and earth below.. and there is no other!  Hallelujah! What a Savior! You have washed us clean in the blood of the Lamb, Your precious Son. To think of this.. O how we bless Your Name and stand in awe of such amazing love and grace. Stir our hearts to pray for our country, even as Nehemiah prayed for his. We pray for deliverance from evil, for revival of Your people, and for Your Kingdom to come and Your will to be done.  We ask this, according to Your Word, in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord of all. Amen.