About 750 years before Christ, there was a man named Amos, who was a full-time fig grower and part-time preacher. Though he was from Judah, God led him to prophecy to the people of Israel, who were living in bondage to a foreign empire. He brought them this message directly from God: “I will bring my people Israel back from exile. They will rebuild their ruined cities and live in them” (Amos 9:14).
Notice the details of Amos’ message:
“They shall rebuild their ruined cities and live in them.”
Sometimes, when we would rather God give us a new place to live, he says to rebuild what we already have. Sometimes, in recovery, the word is rebuild, not remove. We ask God to remove us from the pain, addiction, and trauma; God says rebuild.
Recovery Step: Have you been asking God to remove your current situation? Perhaps a better prayer would be to ask God for the tools to rebuild that which is left in ruins.
