He was a great man facing a desperate situation. His name was Nehemiah and his city, Jerusalem, was in trouble. According to Nehemiah 1:3, “The wall of Jeusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” This caused this man of God to weep and mourn. He also prayed and fasted before God. In chapter 2 we find Nehemiah as he approaches King Artaxerxes for help and assistance. The king noticed Nehemiah was discouraged and sad. He asked why, and Nehemiah proceeded to tell him. Then the king ask him what he wanted. Can you imagine this happening to you? The one who had the resources and aid you needed? What happened next is the focus of this thought today…..the next thing Nehemiah did is found in verse 4, “Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king.”
Before he answered with his request, he PRAYED!! What a great lesson for all of us. BEFORE we act, PRAY! The first component of the culture we are trying to create on our district is illustrated in this story. DEPENDENCE on God is the starting point in being successful spiritually. Jesus said “…apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:6 What if we really believed that?
