I said, “I beseech You, O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who preserves the covenant and lovingkindness…let Your ear now be attentive and Your eyes open to hear the prayer of Your servant. Nehemiah 1:5-6 NASB
For over 10 years now, it has been my privilege to serve at Loma Linda University Health. During this time, it seems as if there is always construction going on. I saw the Gentry Gym taken apart and the Centennial Complex constructed. We have added a dorm, parking structures, remodeled buildings, built a new water tank, constructed a bridge and underpass, began a major capital campaign -- Vision 2020 -- and we are beginning construction of two new hospitals. Throughout this time period we have had people join and separate from our organization. We are -- and continue to be -- in a constant state of growth.
As I have had occasion to interact with a fraction of the employees, faculty, staff and students, one common theme remains persistent -- uncertainty. This uncertainty seems to be more palpable in the areas of our community where changes appear interminably and frequently.
Reflecting on the current climate of Loma Linda University Health, the biblical narrative recorded in the book of Nehemiah has comforted and inspired me. Nehemiah, found in the Old Testament, provides a firsthand account of the rebuilding of Jerusalem after the Hebrew people had returned from exile. This cup bearer in the palace heard of the turmoil affecting his people as they embarked upon this major construction project, then turned to the only One who would provide him with encouragement, comfort and support. Nehemiah prayed and fasted, pleading with God to remember His covenant and show hesed -- His steadfast love to His children.
Beginning in April, we invite and encourage our One Loma Linda community to pray together and fast each Tuesday asking for God’s guidance and wisdom as we continue to build and grow. Perhaps as we have been in this process of developing and expanding we have hurt others or may have been hurt. Others of us have been plagued with fear, doubt, anger, hurt, un-forgiveness and uncertainty. Let us follow Nehemiah’s example, seeking God together, confessing our sins with the absolute assurance that God will respond.
We pray together because the story that unfolds in Nehemiah attests that God did indeed hear, see and respond to the plight of the rebuilders. Loma Linda is founded on a legacy of vision, prayer, sacrifice and faith. During this season of uncertainty may we be certain of this -- His ears are attentive and His eyes are open to the prayer of His servants.