Build Anyway

 One of my absolute favorite TV shows of all time is Extreme Makeover: Home Edition 💗😊!! That show warms my heart so much!! I love seeing how a team of individuals come together to renovate a house for a family in a week. I love hearing the stories of each family as they are so encouraging. Just thinking about the chant "Move that bus" right before the big house reveal still brings happy tears to my eyes. During the building process, a lot can take place as progress would be right on time, but there could also be delays. I remember watching episodes where storms took place and deliveries were not on time, which pushed the progress back. Through all of that though, the team always managed to finish the renovation 😊. Another construction project comes to my mind that can be found in the Bible in the book of Nehemiah. Nehemiah got word that the wall of Jerusalem had broken down (Nehemiah 1:3). It weighed on his heart, so he prayed to God about it (Nehemiah 1:5-11). Then, he asked the king could he go to Judah with his people to help rebuild the wall. His request was granted (Nehemiah 2:5-9). So, Nehemiah goes to check out the wall and rebuilding begins (v. 18). With the rebuilding came opposition and obstacles. Whenever one is doing a good work, there's usually opposition that tries to rise up. In this case, people were angry and making fun of the rebuilding (Nehemiah 4:1-3). In spite of the opposition, they kept building anyway. It says in verse 6 that the people worked with all of their heart.  In fact, Nehemiah encouraged the builders not to be afraid and reminded them about the God they serve. Opposition continued to happen, but they kept on building. In Nehemiah 6:15, we see the wall was completed in 52 days. Praise God 😊!!  It always works out! That's a good place to praise God right there! I know we have all had situations in our lives where we had setbacks and delays, but God always came through. I know He's done it for me time and time again, and I am so grateful 💗. In both the TV show and book of Nehemiah, we see the word build being used to construct or assemble something. However, build could also mean to grow or strengthen something like confidence or to establish a relationship or routine. We have to build healthy habits and routines. We have to build time in our day to spend with God, alone time and time with others. We have to build confidence in who we are and what we can do in God 😊. In spite of the obstacles that happen in our lives, we have to keep on building. When it seems like no progress is being made and setbacks are happening, build anyway. When it seems like you're the only one being dedicated and putting forth full effort, build anyway.  Nehemiah knew the wall was going to be rebuilt and held on to what He knew God could do through them. He understood the power of faith, unity, teamwork and consistency. They do make a difference! Progress and healthy results will all be worth it! So, keep building one habit, one choice, one day, one hour, one minute, one moment at a time. Build anyway! Love and blessings to all 💗!!