Nehemiah 13:2
“Our God, however, turned the curse into a blessing “(Nehemiah 13:2)
During the reign of the Persian king Artaxerxers, Nehemiah was appointed and served as governor of Judea for 12 years. As Nehemiah sought to rebuild the fallen city of Jerusalem, he was reminded of the history of Israel and their countless misfortunes. Many had perished from plaques, experienced countless invasions from the neighboring countries resulting in bloody wars. Their houses, fields, and vineyards were destroyed, and their families divided and taken into captivity, suffering utter destruction for years. However, Nehemiah was reminded of God and his work of redemption of his people.
As we meditate on the story of Nehemiah, we come to three conclusions.
First, God does not allow us to incur any real losses on his behalf. Although things may appear as a loss and a sacrifice, ultimately the things we gain in God are far greater than those losses.(Psalms 119:71)
Second, God may allow suffering for a time but all this is temporal and He will never abandon us.(Psalms139-9-10)
Finally, although we may experience pain, God’s motive is not the pain itself, but to forge and build our character. His plans are to redeem all things for his glory.(Jeremiah29:11-14)
May our God redeem all of our own troubles into eternal blessings.
