Session 9

God’s Not Scared Of Your Mess

From Nehemiah: A 13-Day Devotional

How do you picture God? Is He angry, vengefully looking to punish your next mistake?

That’s a different god than the God Nehemiah describes. God rescued the Israelites from slavery by parting the Red Sea and leading them to the promised land. When they were hungry, God rained down bread from heaven. When they were thirsty, water flowed from a rock. God provided for Israel at every turn.

You would think Israel would be forever grateful. But instead, Nehemiah describes them as entitled and arrogant. They failed to obey commands and forgot the miracles God performed among them. God had every right to punish Israel, but instead, He showed them grace. Though there were consequences for their sin, God never abandoned them. He relentlessly pursued them with compassion, love, and protection. That’s the kind of father God is.

Even when we are sinful, God pursues us, acting justly and faithfully, even when we do wrong.

Israel’s story is our story. Even when we are sinful, God pursues us, acting justly and faithfully, even when we do wrong. God is not scared of our mess. He meets us right in the middle of it.

Nehemiah thanks God for His mercy despite the Israelites’ sin. And hundreds of years later, God sends the greatest difference maker of all in Jesus. God chose these people with their messy past to introduce the Savior of the world to the world. He truly is a gracious God! In light of all God has done, the only response is gratitude.

Consider This:

How does looking at your current situation through the lens of God’s grace change your perspective?

Pray:

Jesus, here’s how You’ve been good to me...