MONDAY January 30, 2017
Wait on the Lord
It came to pass in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the citadel, that Hanani one of my brethren came with men from Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews who had escaped, who had survived the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. - Nehemiah 1:1
While Ezra began to bring reform to God’s people, Nehemiah was still in Persia as a cup bearer in the king’s court. Nehemiah was willing to lay down his life for the king by tasting his food and drink. If anything was poisoned he would be first to die (Nehemiah 1:11). Nehemiah’s position next to the king was a trusted place of preeminence. It gave him much responsibility and authority. He was in a place where he could hear everything that was going on within the kingdom.
Nehemiah, from his own brother, heard a distressing report concerning the Jews in Jerusalem. As I mentioned previously, Nehemiah was a man who cared for the people in distress. What did he do with the information he just received? Nehemiah kept the news to himself. He did not tell anybody of the concerns that troubled his mind and heart. He stripped away self as he fasted, mourned and prayed.
God heard Nehemiah’s prayer and the Lord touched the heart of king Artaxerxes. Nehemiah was able to share his heavy burden with the king. Artaxerxes gave Nehemiah, gave financial aid, his protection and the necessary time to complete the task of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem.
Nehemiah’s life is an amazing story for all of us to learn from how God works in a person’s life. If only we would pray and wait upon God. Then the Lord will accomplish the desires He has placed in our hearts––God will lead you into His perfect plan for your life––amazing, amazing.
Therefore I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation;
My God will hear me.
~Micah 7:7~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!