Theme of the Week: Prayer
Bible Verse: But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
Scripture Reading: Nehemiah 1:1-11
Nehemiah’s story is a fantastic one. It proves what can be done with someone who is devoted to the things of God and is willing to do whatever it takes to follow God’s call. It is well worth the read.
I want to focus on the prayer that starts his whole story off.
Nehemiah was in Babylon when he learned that the Jews in Jerusalem were in distress and that the walls of Jerusalem were burnt down. He is so overwhelmed by this news that he weeps and fasts before the Lord. Then he goes to the Lord and prays a very heartfelt and desperate prayer. Nehemiah wants to leave Babylon, but he can’t without permission from the king.
The final line in Nehemiah’s prayer is, “Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.”
That’s a pretty urgent prayer. I am sure you, like me, have prayed prayers just like that.
Lord, please answer me now. Lord, please grant my request immediately.
Chapter 1 opens with the words, “In the month of Kislev.” Chapter 2 opens with the words, “In the month of Nisan.” Four months pass between the time Nehemiah asked his urgent request and the time he received his answer.
Those must have been long four months.
I wonder if Nehemiah questioned God. I wondered if he doubted whether or not God even heard him. The Bible doesn’t say. I am just imagining that because I know how I can respond when God says wait. It’s hard. It’s frustrating.
But here’s the truth: whether or not you feel that God is listening to you, doesn’t change the fact that He is listening to you.
Psalm 116:2 says, “Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.”
He hears every prayer you pray. He loves you. He gave Himself for you, will He start withholding His attention now?
Keep praying. Keep trusting. He will answer at just the right time!
Prayer: Lord, You see my desperation, my urgency, my lack of patience. I don’t see things the way You do. Your perspective is so much higher than mine. Help me to trust in You. Help me to live by faith and not by sight. Thank You for hearing my prayers. I lay them before You and trust in Your perfect timing. Amen.
Reflection: What is heavy on your heart today? What do you need God to do right now? Will you surrender that over to Him, believing that He is always at work for your benefit and life?
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