Rise up and Build

“And I told them of the hand of my God which had been good upon me, and also of the king’s words that he had spoken to me. So they said, “Let us rise up and build.” Then they set their hands to this good work.” Nehemiah 2:18, NKJV

The concept of Rise came to me some time ago and I was pleased to see it being used as the buzz word for this year. It felt like a confirmation from God. The word God sent to me for 2025 was bloom as in flowers. This year, the word that came is Create/ Creation. 

Oftentimes, we dwell on the past and get looped into an endless cycle of regret, complaints and despair. In doing so, we fall prey to repeating the same problems from which we wish to be rescued. 

The Jews mourned about the destruction of the wall. They felt humiliated and disgraced, and faced ridicule and oppression from leaders like Sanballat and Tobiah who benefitted from their misfortune. After all, were they not God’s prized possession?

But Nehemiah and his team were not distracted. They kept working and focused on the task at hand.

As I reflected on this text from Nehemiah, I smiled. I am blessed to have persons in my circle who support and encourage me. I remember sharing what I felt God placed on my heart and they were all willing to set their hands to this good work.

Lord, I pray special covering and blessings on each one of them.

In this year 2026, let us rise and build. Let us rise and be counted, not on the side of naysayers, but on the side of a God who can do the impossible. Let us not look at what was lost, but keep our eyes focused and press toward the mark of the high calling which is found in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14) Tell others about how the hand of God has blessed you!

“Come back to the place of safety, all you prisoners who still have hope! I promise this very day that I will repay two blessings for each of your troubles.” Zechariah 9:12, NLT

“Even when you feel broken or that your story is too damaged, God sees a foundation and is ready to rebuild.” 

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being the Creator and re-Creator of my life. Jude reminds us that Your Son Jesus can keep us from stumbling and present us without fault and with great joy. Help us to rise and build not by looking at former things, but by making a way forward. In Jesus name, Amen.

“Mountains can rise from ruins. Beauty can bloom from ashes.”

“Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore, He will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him!” Isaiah 30:18, NIV

“You may think your story is too damaged, or that you’ve fallen too far. But God looks at what’s shattered and calls it a ‘foundation’. He’s not intimidated by your ruins; He’s ready to rebuild them.”

“Rise up and help us; rescue us because of Your unfailing love.” Psalm 44:26, NIV

Be blessed to be a blessing.