Rebuilding what’s broken isn’t just hard, it’s messy. It’s not just distractions that can pull us off course. Today, we see another attack Nehemiah faced: the sabotage of slander. False rumors spread. His motives were questioned. But instead of fighting back or quitting, he prayed, “Nothing like what you’re saying is happening… Now strengthen my hands.”

We’ve all felt the sting of words that weren’t true, and if we’re honest, we’ve probably passed along a few ourselves. Today’s prayer invites us to pause and ask God to help us respond with grace when we’re hurt, and restraint when we’re tempted to gossip. May we become people who build others up, not tear them down.

Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside’s conviction that God’s grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God’s presence and activity in your life.