Nehemiah 1 & 2 -- Forgetting That Most Important First Step

Nehemiah had gotten word in the royal palace in Persia of how defenseless and destitute Jerusalem had become.  He knew that certain infrastructure needs had to be met if the city was to ever have a chance of again becoming prominent.  But rather than going off half-cocked with his own ideas, Nehemiah first went to his knees.

Fasting, mourning, and praying occupied his off-hours as he sought God’s advice and approval.  He confessed national sin “and asked God to remember His Word and to be faithful in regathering His people as He had been righteous in scattering them,” my commentary said.  For, after all, if this wasn’t in God’s timing, it would be doomed to fail.

He also didn’t just pray for a few minutes or hours.  He pleaded with God for 3 or 4 months before God arranged a divine appointment, having prepared the king’s heart to listen.

Once he’d arrived in Jerusalem, accompanied by a royal escort, Nehemiah didn’t reveal his places to anyone at first.  Instead, he privately inspected the entire area, enabling him to gather ideas, inquire of God, and in this way properly prepare to present his proposal to the Jewish remnant living there.

Even when non-Jews stirred up opposition, Nehemiah wasn’t intimidated, for his months of prayer and preparation had assured him that God had promised success.

Father, I feel so wholly inadequate in my own prayer life after reading this again.  My prayers look like a microwave oven compared with Nehemiah’s crock pot!  I’ve come to expect an answer after seconds of praying.  Forgive me for forgetting to do the most important work.  Show me the value of struggling with You in prayer, so that I may more fully understand and appreciate Your will.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford