God works through communities of his children to build his Kingdom (Eph 2:10). The task is great; the work is shared. What do you do when you are opposed for doing what is right? Have you ever faced fierce anger and opposition? How are God's people to respond to slander or mockery? Nehemiah turned to God in prayer, stood firm, and endured. What will be the testimony of our lives?

In the book of Ezra, we see that God is a God who stirs, sustains, and strengthens his people by his Spirit through his Word. We see in this book that God is absolutely awesome and sovereign overall. God keeps his people safely in the palm of his hand and revives and forms them through his Word. However, God’s people often waver in their faithfulness. Here we see that God’s Word cuts, before it heals.

May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob protect you! May he send you help from the sanctuary and give you support from Zion! - Psalm 20:1-2

God’s people return and rebuild the altar. We see fruit worthy of repentance. Those returning to Jerusalem from exile demonstrate serious devotion to God through realigning their lives to obey the Scriptures. These principles remain for us today. A vibrant restored faith is one of serious devotion to the Lord according to His Word.