“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.’” — Nehemiah 1:3
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For a long time, the New Orlean Saints were a mediocre team. In 1980, they reached their lowest point — losing their first 14 games, prompting local sportscaster Bernard “Buddy D” Dilberto to encourage fans to wear paper bags over their heads at home games. Since the games were televised, people across the country laughed and called the Saints the “Aints.” Even though the team enjoyed a very loyal fan base, it seemed like the team wouldn’t ever get much better.
In 2006, the Saints hired Sean Payton as their head coach. He was a young guy with a lot of good ideas, including a fast-paced passing offense that kept defenses on their heels. The other teams couldn’t react quick enough to stop quarterback Drew Brees from outscoring them in most of the games. In a few years, the former “Aints” became one of the most consistent winning organizations in the league. This perennial playoff team won the Super Bowl in 2009-10 by defeating the Indianapolis Colts. A key moment in the game was when the Saints successfully attempted an onside kick at the beginning of the second half — taking away a possession from Colts QB Peyton Manning — which ultimately led to a surprising victory.
In all occupations and in life in general, it’s important to make improvements. In our lifestyle, work ethic and strategies, if we don’t put forth effort, things tend to decline and get worse over time.
In the Bible, when Nehemiah became a leader in Israel, the nation was at a low point after leaving captivity and finding their city in ruins, thus leaving them exposed once again. But he was determined to bring back the nation to another period of prosperity. Messengers brought a report of the conditions in Jerusalem to Nehemiah, who was in the “citadel of Susa” (Nehemiah 1:1). “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’” (Nehemiah 1:3).
Even though this rebuilding project was very big, Nehemiah knew God was able to deliver the results. Nehemiah, who was cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, prayed with confidence in God, and God blessed his plans. God moved the heart of the pagan king to grant permission for the building project, and the task was completed as Nehemiah and the people prayed and worked alongside each other. “So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days” (Nehemiah 6:15). It was clear this quick project completion was thanks to the hand of God.
This story reminds us to pray often, give our plans to God, work together and avoid arguments, and then watch God do miracles while we do our little part.
— Bill Kent, Pastor of Memorial Baptist Church, Sylvania, Georgia
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