Broken Walls and Burnt Gates
Three Ways God Restores People, Cities, and Nations
Dear EntreWorshipper,
I went to bed late on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, uncertain of the Presidential election results. You all know how it worked out:
It’s become clear that the results would have been dramatically different if the U.S. Census Bureau had not over- and undercounted 14 states in the 2020 census.
Depending on your perspective, the outcome was a decisive victory or a stunning defeat. You’re either hopeful or fearful.
You might even feel this way: (Click the image to open the thread. It’s pure gold!)
I find parallels between what happened over the last four years and the next four decades.
It’s going to be okay. God is in control.
In early March 2020, a major storm ripped through middle Tennessee.
The storm spawned several tornadoes, leaving a wake of destruction along a 50-mile path. Twenty-four people lost their lives. Buildings, churches, and homes were destroyed.
One of the strongest tornadoes hit North Nashville.
We knew people in Nashville, so we headed south to help them recover, rebuild, and renew their hope.
“The Walls are Broken, and the Gates are Destroyed”
I’ve had a long-time love for and connection with Nashville. I travel there frequently for business; my first book was published in collaboration with a publisher from the area. I’m in my seventh year of adding value to Aespire Marketing’s clients through my certification with the Nashville-based company StoryBrand. We have family there.
Any tragedy or uncertain situation leaves people wanting to feel safer, find emotional security, and avoid losing control over their lives. An individual’s response to these emotional states can trigger people into unusual behavior, such as stockpiling toilet paper, panic buying, and anger over results that don’t go their way. It can also cause people to want to become victims, blame a system in which they feel powerless, and even change their value systems.
After the 2024 election results were announced, many feared violence and unrest like the U.S. experienced after the 2106 election and frequently during the pandemic. Many viewed it as a tragedy, and 73 million people rejoiced. The majority viewed it as an opportunity to reform our government and renew our nation.
What will you do with this opportunity?
Nehemiah and the City Gates
Nehemiah was the cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes I in the mid-fifth century. When he heard that Jerusalem’s walls and gates were broken and destroyed. he sat down, cried, and mourned for days.
But then he took action.
As did Nehemiah, the people of Nashville rallied, with thousands of volunteers and resources pouring into every neighborhood.
What you’re going to see next is how America rallies. It already started. 👇
Certainty in an Uncertain Future
A colleague asked, “Hey man, how worried should I — a self-described “little guy,” small business owner — be?” As a faith-driven business leader or entrepreneur, how can you respond to all this? Is it too overwhelming to overcome?
We’re all little guys (and gals) in God’s grand scheme. But in God’s eyes, you are of the highest worth at this time and in this place.
Philippians 4:6 comforts and challenges me during the brightest and darkest days in business. It’s simple and direct:
“Don’t worry about anything, instead pray about everything. tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” (NLTse)
The Psalms reminds us,
“The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand. (Psalms 37:23-24 NLTse)
And to our future, again, the Psalms proclaim:
“I trust you, O LORD. I said, “You are my God.” My future is in your hands. Rescue me from my enemies, from those who persecute me.”
“Let’s Begin to Rebuild”
History and God’s Word remind us that when tragedy occurs, God responds with good to us and through us. Nehemiah participated in God’s work to rebuild Jerusalem; we can join in God’s work to rebuild our nation, rebuild the economy, and unleash prosperity.
Here’s how God responded through the people and businesses in Nashville:
Recovery: The night of the storm, people checked in on friends and family to make sure they were alive and get them to safety. Friends, churches, and business colleagues offered their time and resources to help people recover what they could
Rebuilding: Local people generously supported residents with advice and guidance on navigating the insurance and rebuilding maze.
Renewal: When we experience God’s love and provision through the people who surround us, we see him at work in the lives of countless people to renew our hope and rebuild our lives.
Some people responded with gratitude, while many years later, others are still bitter. They may not see it yet, but God was — and is — at work in their lives through the tragedy.
The momentum began to build on November 6. This is your chance to participate in and redeem this opportunity for the good of others and God’s glory.
God’s eternal plan is to reconcile people to Himself and restore the world. It’s our highest calling. It’s also his commission for you as an ambassador and representative to a world filled with broken walls and burnt gates.
Let’s get to work!