Ezra 1: Restoration & Rebuild

The Lord put two words on repeat in my mind before I even finished the chapter: restoration and rebuild. If you’ve lived through anything that’s knocked the wind out of you — divorce, loss, disappointment, or even just a long season of “What is happening?” — those two words will mean something to you too.

This November marks ten years since my separation and divorce. A full decade. Even though I’ve rebuilt so many parts of my life, I still have days where I feel like I’m carrying pieces of exile. That’s why Ezra 1 hit me like it did today.

The people had been in exile for 70 years. Their identity, their confidence, their home, future plans — all of it stripped. Then out of nowhere, God moves the heart of a foreign king who doesn’t even worship Him… and uses that man to restore what was stolen and fund the rebuild. LIKE WHAT IS HAPPENING... God doesn’t wait for perfect conditions to restore. He steps in exactly where we are. It doesn't stop there. After reading the chapter I went to church this morning and there it was... my pastor preached on resilience in seasons that should have broken you — and it felt like the Lord underlined everything I had just read earlier....

Things like:

• The storm does have an end.

• When we say “I can’t,” He says “You can.”

• We’re more capable than we think.

• Don’t stop. Don’t give up.

• He’s with us in the exile and the rebuilding.

• He knows the beauty on the other side even when we don’t see it yet.

I needed that. Ten years later, I still need that. Restoration isn’t passive. Restoration is God returning what was lost, repairing what was broken, restoring purpose and identity, and doing it through people and places you would never expect. Rebuilding is the part that takes courage. It’s

the part where you show up, pick up the next brick, and let God strengthen what life tried to break. I don't usually do this but why not... Im going to go deeper through some journaling. I dare you to join me.

Share if you are comfortable:

1. What area of your life still feels like “exile”? Where do you feel disconnected, discouraged, or stuck?

2. Where do you need God to restore something that’s felt lost or taken? Confidence? Peace? Trust? Identity? Direction?

3. What part of your life is God nudging you to rebuild — even if it’s slow? (And are you resisting the rebuild because it feels overwhelming?)

4. What does resilience look like for you in this season? Not perfection. Not performance. Actual resilience.

5. Where has God already shown up in unexpected ways? Think Cyrus. Think surprise provision. Think people you didn’t expect.

I don’t have this all figured out. I’m rebuilding too. Today gave me a reminder:

• God restores what feels ruined.

• He rebuilds what feels impossible.

• He doesn’t leave us to do it alone.

If you’re in your own rebuilding season, I’m right there with you — brick by brick.