Accepting the Challenge

When was the last time you tackled a really big challenge, the last time you took on something that you were passionate about? How many of your prayers are the God-please-fix-it type? How many are of the here-I-am-send-me type? Is there really any difference? Is the outcome any different?

In Nehemiah chapters 1-2 picks up where the Persians conquered the Babylonians and allowed the remnant of the people of Judah to return to their land. Those who chose to go back to their homeland found the city of Jerusalem in ruins. Nehemiah, who was working in the service of the king, hears word of this and is heart broken for his people.

Note the first thing he does is pray. And not only that but look at the way he prayed. It wasn’t woe is me and my people please help us and fix our problems. He began by praising God for his faithfulness and love (1:5). He asked God to hear his prayer but did not state his request. Instead he confessed the sins of the people and his own sins and those of his family. Next, he stated God’s promise to return the people to the land and to redeem them. Finally, he made his request; but he did not ask God to step in and fix things. All he asked was that God grant success to his own efforts to make something happen. What a remarkable prayer! What follows is God’s provision in restoring the city of Jerusalem and the Holy temple!

I once heard that people can be divided into three groups:
Those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who wonder what happened. All three sorts of people sense that something needs to change, but only one sort makes that change happen. Which one are you? When has love helped you act in spite of fear? Have you seen the hand of God in the result?

Lord God, when you call us to difficult but needed tasks, help us not to be stalled by our fears but to have the courage of our call. Let us not shrink back at the pain of tough situations, but instead deepen our faith that you support us in our work for the Kingdom. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Be the Blessing