When I heard this, I sat down and wept” (Nehemiah 1:4). These words, written by the prophet Nehemiah, expressed his sorrow over the broken-down condition of Jerusalem—the sacred city where his forefathers were buried. Jerusalem had been leveled and the mighty walls that once protected God’s holy city lay in ruins (v.3).

The news broke Nehemiah’s heart. After mourning and fasting for several days, however, the prophet sensed the Lord’s direction. God put a desire in his heart to step up and begin the job of restoration.

Refusing to accept the destruction that scarred his homeland as final, he prayed to God for help (1:5-11). He requested (and received) divine favor as he sought permission and assistance from his boss, King Artaxerxes, to travel back to Jerusalem and rebuild the city (2:1-6).

After 52 days of hard work, plenty of prayer, and some serious opposition, Nehemiah and his crew rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem (6:15).

It can seem impossible at times to put back together the shattered pieces of this life. The fractures appear to be too complex or the opposition to rebuild too strong. Nehemiah’s account reminds us that in the midst of great disrepair there is always hope—hope to restore.

The same all-powerful God who Nehemiah prayed to for help in rebuilding the city walls, is the God we seek in prayer today. He is all about building up what has been torn down. He’s in the business of rebuilding faith, relationships, and self-confidence—to name a few of His restoration projects.

Is there something in your life that lies broken and ruined? Do you feel the temptation to believe that it’s beyond repair? Remember Nehemiah’s story and seek God’s help in starting to rebuild today.