Nehemiah handled monumental anxieties.
Nehemiah began his Biblical narrative by telling the reader
about an event that occurred in December, 446BC. While exiled from his native Judah, he worked
as a cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, King of Persia.
During this time we now know as Christmas holidays, several Jews from Jerusalem arrived in
Susa, the capitol of Persia. Eager to
hear of news, Nehemiah found his countrymen and asked about his native city. They told him the city walls are shattered
and the gates to the city had been burned. When he heard the update, he wept
and mourned for days, and then he began to fast and pray.
In his prayer, he affirmed God’s love and greatness. After
that, he reminded the Lord of how he had been praying day and night on behalf
of Israel. He confessed the sins of his people.
Following the confession, he asked God to remember the promises the
Almighty had made to Israel’s forefathers.
His final appeal to God was to find favor with King Artaxerxes. The king
could grant him his desire to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
Nehemiah prayed this same prayer—never giving up his belief
God would hear and answer.
Four months later, God answered.
Was the four months an eternity to Nehemiah? Remember his
condition—he wept, fasted, and prayed. The guy experienced enormous stress
through these days—four months probably seemed infinity, and let’s also not
forget his fear. King Artaxerxes
possessed the power to take his life if the official so desired. Terror of
government administrators, and great sorrow for his homeland should have
rendered Nehemiah incapacitated, but in spite of these apprehensions, he made
plans to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
Faith, prayer and preparation go together.
Four months may seem a short period of time for those who
have pleaded four years—or maybe as long as forty years. A long stretch of waiting emerged for Nehemiah, but through it, he set an
example. Here we see a man who prayed as though results depended upon God but worked
as though outcomes depended on him.
I know many who are experiencing great worry and sorrow in
their lives today. Perhaps it is divorce,
or maybe financial ruin. Others face the loss of loved ones or the loss of
health. A few confront fear of the future. Remember this: God listens, but may seem slow to us as He responds
to our needs. Nehemiah set an excellent
example in times such as these. Take heart, dear friend. The answer is on the way.
In our next segment, we will consider Nehemiah’s prayer and
plans.
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