Unwavering

Week 1

Day 1

In the twentieth year, in the city of Susa, we meet Nehemiah. The people are returning to Jerusalem from exile. I don’t want to miss a repeated theme in the book of scripture, here:

God is faithful to Israel, in spite of their unfaithfulness.

As a nation seeking her own power, recognition, and pleasure is left to the consequences of those decisions; so it is with us as individuals. For instance, we can’t’ figure out why our bodies are falling apart after eating garbage for years. Or, we may be separated from someone we love because of a lifestyle that is self-destructive. We may be holding onto unforgiveness in relationships that hinder our growth, or peace. Whatever the reasons for our current suffering, we must know from scripture:

1. God always gives us a chance to return to Him.
2. God remains with us during our exile (suffering).

Take a moment to read the news of Hanani in Nehemiah Chapter 1 verses 1-3

1. What is Nehemiah’s response to hearing the disgrace and great trouble of his people? (vs 4)

Although, our return to faith after many years departed may be genuine; we are sometimes confronted with shattered reality of self- neglect or fractured relationships all around us. So, it’s not going to be easy. There will be much weeping, questioning, and temptation to turn back to our comfortable coping mechanisms.

Yet, God will still pursue and slowly convince us; His way is the better way.

We will finish today enjoying, savoring, and relishing Nehemiah’s action in the presence of his grief!  May we learn and respond in the same way.

Please read Nehemiah’s prayer in Nehemiah 1:5-11

2. Nehemiah teaches us some important principles in his prayer. Who is first and foremost in His prayer? (vs 5)

3. What is confessed in verses 6-7?

4. Nehemiah’s gentle reminder to the God of heaven reveals a promise of God, what is it? (vs 8-9)

5. Once he acknowledges the greatness of God, confesses his sin, he is THEN ready to make his request. Please note it below: (10-11)

Sometimes, we are so overwhelmed with the ache of our circumstances, we can’t help but lay our hearts out there quickly and fervently. However, approaching God in this way sets our expectations on our surroundings and not Him. Think about this example for a moment:

A lady I know has an obnoxious, arrogant, boss. She prays and prays, he’ll move on. Go away, find another place to play his mind games. The prayers are answered and he moves on……for a while. Now, he’s back and up to his same old antagonistic ways. Did God open his eyes and ears to the prayer?

Yes.

Maybe, the guy’s new office, prayed for God to send him back where he came from……and God answered their prayers, too!

Again, the focus is on the circumstances and not on what God truly wants to accomplish through every person involved.

A heart change.

This man does not know the Lord. What if both offices prayed for heart change of this lost soul, who is seeking advancement and pleasure in hurting others? What impact would someone of his position have for the good of God’s kingdom, if he knew Jesus? How is God showing the office people what a small dose of tyranny looks like? How can we pray for each other and our brothers and sisters all over the world who truly face abominable oppressive rule?

Nehemiah’s example of prayer is keeping God high and lifted up (in his place) and confessing the sins of himself, his people, and his leaders (in our place). He doesn’t place His need above His God. Oh, that we would follow in his stead!

Would you consider praying this scripture over your own situation, family, grumpy bosses, estranged loved ones today?

God Bless you and Keep you as you develop an unwavering faith!