Nehemiah 1:3 They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.”
As I was reading commentary on this chapter, one sentence stopped me in my tracks. The commentator called the people survivors and said, “God has more for us than to be mere survivors.” Surviving is important, it’s a beautiful thing, but mere survival isn’t the goal. God wants us to thrive, not just survive.
Nehemiah 1:4 When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.
Monday marked the last day of first semester. I distinctly remember walking out on Monday, thinking, “I survived.” And I’ve mentioned more than once the slog that was often my way forward this semester. But “God has more for us than to be mere survivors.” I can’t get stuck in survival mode.
Nehemiah 1:5-6 Then I said: “LORD, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant of love with those people who love Him and keep His commandments, let Your ear be attentive and Your eyes open to hear the prayer Your servant is praying before You day and night for Your servants, the people of Israel….”
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the reminder that You want more for me than just survival. You made me to thrive. You promise Your strength is perfected in my weakness. You promised never to leave me nor forsake me. You encourage me over and over, “Do not be afraid.” Thank You, Lord, for giving me the strength through You to thrive instead of merely survive. Help me to live boldly into Your promises. Amen.
Nehemiah 1:11 “LORD, let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of this Your servant and to the prayer of Your servants who delight in revering Your name….”
Have a blessed day.