Bearing the Unbearable

3 They said to me, “The remnant there in the province who survived the captivity are in great distress and reproach, and the wall of Jerusalem is broken down and its gates are burned with fire.” 4 When I heard these words, I sat down and wept and mourned for days; and I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven. Nehemiah 1:3-4

Have you ever received a report that was so bad, that you couldn’t bear it? My wife and I experienced such a time in a pastoral leadership position that completely broke our hearts. The distress that we experienced was so heavy that I didn’t think I could bear it. However, we found strength through our faith in God and loving support of praying friends.

As a Hospital Chaplain, I see people bearing the unbearable every day, from cancer diagnosis to families separated from their loved ones who are in isolation “Covid-19” units. We are living in a time where countless people are bearing the unbearable, through loss of jobs, social upheaval, fear and uncertainty.

During Israel’s exile from Judah recorded in the book of Nehemiah, conditions were so bad in Jerusalem that a man who was cup bearer to the King of the most powerful nation on earth, wept upon hearing of it. The news of his beloved and devastated homeland was beyond what he could bear. Through anguish, grief, and deep sorrow, he poured out his heart to God. His prayer led to owning the sin of his people for generations. His confession and repentance resulted in a holy remembrance of God’s promise to gather his people and restore them.

Nehemiah took it one step further; he did something about his people’s plight. He left his high position in the government, took a low position of volunteer and servant, and embarked upon the audacious task of restoring the walls of Jerusalem. Through prayer and fearless courage, even in the face of opposition, the project was completed in 52 days.

Friend, God can take our anguish, extreme mental, emotional, and physical suffering, and change a nation. A true prayer life begins at the place of anguish. If you set your heart to pray, God will share his heart with you. And if you see the ruined places, he will show you your part in renewal, rebuilding, and restoring all things in Christ.

Look around you, what do you see in ruins? Weep and mourn, fast and pray, and the joy of the Lord will come out of the anguish.

Prayer

Father God,

Forgive us for we have sinned against you, as a nation, as a church, as families. We have acted corruptly against you and have not kept your word or honored your Son of Righteousness. Holy Spirit, open my eyes so that I can see the ruined places. Cause me to weep, mourn, fast, and pray so that I will know the Father’s heart and desire to restore the places long devastated; to renew the ruined cities and restore lives that have been shattered for generations. Grant me courage to bear the unbearable by revealing to me true joy that comes through anguish.

In Jesus Name, Amen