Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther

Ezra was a priest whose God-given vision was to see the temple and worship of God restored after Israel's exile in Babylon was completed. The book shows how Ezra had to overcome false expectations, discouragement, and deteriorating relationships in his effort to accomplish his purpose. Like Ezra, Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem from captivity in Babylon. His vision was to see the wall of the city rebuilt.
He too faced opposition from the enemy and from his own people as he sought to rebuild that wall. Relying on the strength and wisdom of the Lord, Nehemiah persevered and saw the fulfillment of his vision. Esther was a relatively unknown individual that God used in a powerful way. She would become queen in the land of Persia and God's instrument to rescue the entire Jewish nation from a plot to exterminate them.
These three books speak of victory through perseverance and faithfulness to the call of God. The individuals we meet here inspire us to hold firm until we too see the victory of God.