In Nehemiah's case, however, he would need to put walls UP if he was going to experience the GOOD opportunities God had for him, and the entire nation of Israel.
You see, some of the Jews had escaped from captivity and returned to Jerusalem. The remnant did NOT come back to things as they once had been. Instead, they were in "great distress and reproach, and the wall of Jerusalem is broken down and its gates are burned with fire." The people were in a bad place, literally. They NEEDED help.
So word was sent to Nehemiah, who was serving as the cupbearer to the king. Nehemiah's brothers thought perhaps his position would be helpful. Maybe he could ask the king for a favor. Maybe the king would be gracious and do something to rebuild the devastated city. Maybe...
That would be a BIG ASK.
Makes me think of Esther when she went before the king to request that he save the nation of Israel from Haaman's evil plans to kill all the Jews.
If you were to stop the story right here, you might be doubtful that the king would do anything for the helpless captives. He didn't really owe them anything. They couldn't really turn around and benefit him in any way. He didn't have a personal interest in these people, or their well-being.
BUT, apparently he did.
Apparently, he actually cared about Nehemiah.
The king NOTICED that his servant was sad. He was CONCERNED that Nehemiah was sick. He ASKED what was wrong and HOW HE COULD HELP.
Talk about a God moment.
Talk about a BIG ANSWER.
And if you think that is good, read on!
Not only does the king CARE, but he grants Nehemiah his request to go back and help rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. He goes a step further and agrees to make sure he has safe passage along the way. Then, to top it all off, he promises to provide the timber and supplies needed for this massive project.
Definitely a God moment.
An even BIGGER answer.
Isn't God so good at that?!
We shouldn't be surprised. He DOES tell us in His Word that He can do "infinitely more than all we could dare to ask or imagine." (see Ephesians 3:20)
Yet, we doubt.
We worry.
We see all the obstacles in our way.
And so we stop before we even start.
Our focus is on the wrong thing. It shouldn't be on a thing anyway! But rather, our eyes should be "fixed on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith" (Hebrews 12:1-2). Only as we look to Him can we "run with endurance the race set before us" and reach the finish line to receive the prize He has waiting for us (Philippians 3:7-14). Instead of panicking and getting ourselves all worked up for nothing, how about we try Paul's advice, "Do not be anxious about ANYTHING, but in EVERY situation, by prayer and petition, WITH THANKSGIVING, present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:6).
That's exactly what Nehemiah did.
When he heard of the conditions in Jerusalem, he IMMEDIATELY got on his knees and poured his heart out to God. He didn't hold anything back. He was earnest, pleading with God to come through for His people, "O Lord, I BESEECH You, may Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant and the prayer of Your servants who delight to revere Your name, and make Your servant successful today and grant him compassion before this man" (Nehemiah 1:11).
Then, he acted in faith and went before the king.
God came through.
The king showed favor.
Nehemiah went back to Jerusalem, ready to begin the project.
Lest you think everything was peachy and the walls started putting themselves up, I do want to point out even though MOST of the people readily and eagerly agreed to get started, NOT everyone was too happy. Or supportive. Nehemiah DID face opposition.
BUT, he did NOT take his eyes off God.
He did NOT let these naysayers distract him from the task God had given him.
He did NOT give up or throw in the towel, or go running back to God whining about how hard and difficult the job was going to be.
Nope.
Instead, he reassured the people that God was on their side and they WOULD have success (check out Nehemiah 2:20).
Chapter 3 goes on to list all the people who took part in this extensive project of rebuilding the walls. What really struck out to me was that these people all had diffferent skills and talents. They had a wide range of jobs before coming together to work collectively on the construction of the walls. EVERYONE could contribute. EVERYONE was needed. EVERYONE played an important part.
In fact, each group was assigned a portion of the wall to rebuild.
The portion closest to where THEY lived.
They were in charge of a small section, but the MOST important section to them personally.
Genius!
I couldn't help but think what would happen if EACH of us would do the same.
Focus on OUR lives. Rebuild near our homes, our hearts.
Knowing our well-being, our safety, our future depended on it.
Believing our part is not only important, but absolutely ESSENTIAL.
Remember, it's NOT about us.
We have OTHERS counting on us.
We need them and they need us.
And that is a BEAUTIFUL thing.
As we come together, we can pick up the bricks, cut the lumber, and BUILD THE WALLS.
We can accomplish the GOOD WORKS God has prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10).
THAT gets me super excited!
So, I invite you to join me.
To seek God with all your heart. To pour out your requests before Him.
To STOP worrying and fretting and doubting.
To believe God CAN, then to ACT IN FAITH.
To DO whatever God may be calling you to do, to BECOME the person He has designed and created you to be.
And with the same confidence Nehemiah told the Israelites all those years ago, I assure you today, "The God of heaven will give us success..."
No comments:
Post a Comment