Hello Everyone,

God Uses People Committed To Prayer
Before Nehemiah did anything about rebuilding the wall in Jerusalem, he made it a matter or prayer. He said, (v. 4) “...for some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven...”

Nehemiah was serious about his prayer life. He not only devoted a great deal of time to prayer, but he prayed the right way!

a. Adoration. (v. 5) He begins by acknowledging how great and powerful God is. He acknowledges God's goodness and faithfulness. He "puts God in His place" so to speak—as ruler of all creation.

b. Confession. (v. 6-7) He confessed his own sin and the sin of his nation. He acknowledged that because of Israel's sin, horrible things had happen.

c. Intercession. (v. 8-10) He prayed on behalf of God's people, the Israelites.

d. Petition. (v. 11) He asked God to help him do what he, as God's servant, wanted to do. Last…

God Uses People Ready to Take Action (v. 11) O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.

("This man" refers to the new king of Babylon, whom Nehemiah served as cupbearer.)

I like Nehemiah's reaction to the situation. "Something has to be done--and I will do it!" He was ready to take action.

That's the kind of person God can use—one who has the desire to take action and get things done. One who responds like Isaiah...

I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I Lord, send me." (Isaiah 6:8)

Greater Things Are Still To Come!

Pastor Phil