By: Pastor Jarren Rogers“God-ordained passions often break our hearts. And they can seem like an overwhelming burden to bear. But pursuing our passions is key to living a faithful and fulfilling life.” – Mark Batterson

Nehemiah is away from home and he was getting homesick.

Luckily for him, his brother and some of his friends visited him while he was away.

He asked them the obvious question, “How are things going back home in Jerusalem?”

And he didn’t like the answer he received. Nehemiah writes:

“They said to me, ‘Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.’

When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven” (Nehemiah 1:3-4)

Nehemiah cries for his hometown. His heart is broken and his hopes have been burnt to ashes just like Jerusalem.

Why is Nehemiah so upset?

He loved his hometown. God had given him a passion and a love for Jerusalem and the people in it.

Do we care as much about our city as Nehemiah? Do we weep or pound our fists because of the pain or injustices that occur right outside our front doors? Does your heart break for what is breaking the heart of God?

Nehemiah took his heartbreak and turned it into service. Nehemiah had found a God-given passion for the reconstruction of Jerusalem.

What are your God-given passions? What breaks your heart or makes you angry? Therein lies the passions that are ordained by God especially for you.

Your job is to turn your God-given passion into God-empowered action.

Through much prayer and fasting and because of God’s help, Nehemiah completed His mission.

Just as God used Nehemiah, He wants to use you.

Will you leave your front door each day with a love for your city and a passion for seeking justice?

Will you weep for the hurting and the lost?

Will you work to see restoration and reconciliation?

Will you pray and fast for that which God is breaking your heart?

Parents: Take some time each night to read the book of Nehemiah to your children. Ask your kids questions and discuss the character of Nehemiah. Why was he upset? What did he do about it?