How to Start Rebuilding with God When Everything Feels Broken

Ever feel like you're standing in the middle of life's ruins—those broken dreams, delayed plans, or exhausting seasons that leave you wondering if your sacrifices are even making a difference?

I've been there, too. I know how it feels when the walls you’ve worked so hard to build—your peace, your purpose, your relationships—start to crumble. 🏚️

That’s why Nehemiah’s story has always gripped me. (Confession: he was totally my high school Bible crush. 💕) His heart, his grit, and his passion to rebuild something everyone else had given up on? That speaks to me.

But the part I love most is how his breakthrough didn’t start with a confident plan. It started with heartbroken tears.

The Power of a Heartcry

When Nehemiah heard that Jerusalem’s walls had been destroyed for nearly 80 years, he didn’t rush in to fix it.

💔 He stopped.

💔 He wept.

💔 He cried out to God.

And that heart cry became the catalyst for breakthrough.

In just 52 days, what sat in ruins for generations was restored—by God’s favor, Nehemiah’s faith, and a willingness to move forward when the time was right.

Maybe you're standing in the middle of ruins, too.

💔 Dreams that didn’t turn out how you hoped.

💔 Relationships that feel strained or distant.

💔 Exhaustion from giving so much and wondering if it even mattered.

If that’s you, please hear me: God sees it. And He’s not rushing you past the grief.

Before Nehemiah rebuilt anything, he brought his heartbreak to God. He sat with the ache. He prayed through it for months. He let God hold every raw, honest piece of it. Because sometimes reclaiming hope isn’t about taking action first—it’s about validating the pain and letting God meet you there.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)

Even in the Ruins, You’re Already Favored.

Nehemiah wasn’t stuck there. When the time came, he boldly asked for what he needed… and God provided beyond what he imagined.

The same God who stirred Nehemiah’s dreams is already arranging the people, the resources, and the open doors to rebuild what feels undone in your life.

“He who did not spare His own Son... how will He not also... graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32).

God is trustworthy and He has plans to prosper you. Nehemiah’s story shows us that rebuilding with God starts with a heart surrendered to His presence—and that doors of favor often open when we dare to ask boldly.

What Keeps Tugging at Your Heart?

That ache? That longing? It’s not random.

Bring it to God. Those feelings aren’t just emotions—they’re signals of purpose He's placed within you.

God is invested in your dreams, from the first spark of desire to the abundant completion. He’s already lining up what you need to make them real.

“Ask and it will be given to you” (Matthew 7:7).

Nehemiah prayed, made a plan, faced opposition—and in record time, God restored what felt lost.

When healing has done its work, movement follows. Not striving. Not scrambling. Just small, bold steps with God that turn into miracles.

"Be strong and courageous, and do it... for the Lord God is with you” (1 Chronicles 28:20).

Here’s what Nehemiah’s story reminds us:

➡️ Restoration begins with your heartcry.

➡️ Breakthrough flows from God’s favor.

➡️ Miracles unfold when you move.

So if you’re in a season of grief, know that God is holding you. Because as you bring Him your heartcry, He heals.

As you seek His heart and dare to ask, favor flows. And your small, faithful steps? They’re paving the way for miracles you haven’t even imagined yet.

This Isn’t the End of Your Story.

The ruins won’t be the final word.

God is ready to rebuild—stronger, fuller, more beautiful than before.

Let’s see what only God can do. 💖

Here’s to dreaming again,

Kelsi