The scriptural text today comes from Nehemiah chapter 2, Nehemiah chapter 2, verse 1 through 6, reading

from the new living translation of the scriptures.

Notice there these words, early the following spring in the month of Nassan during the 20th

year of King Artaxerxes reign, I was serving the king his

wine and I had never before appeared sad in his presence.

So the king asked me, why are you looking so sad?

You don't look sick to me.

You must be deeply troubled. I was terrified but I replied

long live the king how can I not be sad for the city where my ancestors are

buried is in ruins and the gates have been destroyed by fire the king asked well

how can I help you with a prayer to the God of heaven, I replied, if it pleased the king.

And if you are pleased with me, your servant, send me to Judah to rebuild the city

when my ancestors are buried.

The king with the queen sitting beside him, ask, how long will you be gone?

When will you return?

And after I told him how long I would be gone, the king agreed to my request.

I want to talk today from the subject simply, courage to rebuild.

Courage. Courage to rebuild. Courage. Courage.

Courage to rebuild.

There are inevitable things that can happen over the course of your life, of the course

of your days, situations that you never banked on or planned on, where things wind up in

ruin in your life.

...