Don't Miss Today's Take-Away
So I prayed to the God of heaven
Nehemiah 2:4(b) ESV
I grew up in a gritty hard-working community, where perseverance or giving up were the lessons taught through the lives of those before us. Uncertain what led some down a life path of perseverance or some down the rocky road of giving up, one thing is clear: prayer has strengthened my desire to persevere.
I have an important take-away for you today:
intense opposition can fuel us for discouragement
or strengthen us for perseverance.
Nehemiah, one of my favorite characters in the BIBLE, gives us one of the best lessons on praying through difficulties and opposition. If you have known me for even a short period you know I often mention Nehemiah and prayer in the same sentence. I wonder if some of my close friends tire of my mentions of Nehemiah.
When we seek God and chase after what He places in our heart, one thing is almost always certain; opposition and distraction will come our way. When we stay true to the course God has set out before us spiritual warfare is sure to come against us. Nehemiah was deeply disturbed by the circumstances of the people of Jerusalem. He took that to God and cried out in prayer; “Oh Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel.” Nehemiah 1:5-6(a) (NIV)
Nehemiah battled discouragement, overcame it and accomplished God’s will through prayer. Although Nehemiah was just a common man, not a prophet or religious leader and I believe he accomplished a great deal because he prayed every step of the way. You will find he prayed when receiving bad news, during a difficult conversation, when threats came his way and his own people were ready to give up. By the way Scripture records the story of his work, it appears he paid very little attention to the opposition, obstacles and distractions that came his way. Instead he would pray and keep his focus on God and the work God set out for him.
When we praise God through prayers discouragement can fade away. “Stand up and praise the Lord your God, who is from everlasting to everlasting. Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise. You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything and the multitudes of heaven worship you.” Nehemiah 9:5(b)-6 (NIV)
I would rather persevere then live discouraged, wouldn't you? If so, then grab your Bible and highlight the prayers of Nehemiah. With these prayers marked in your Bible turn to them whenever you need encouragement to persevere and ward off discouragement.
Nehemiah Prayers - Chapter and Verse References
1:5-11; 2:4(b); 4:9; 5:19; 6:9(b); 9:5(b)-8 & 32(a); 13:14; 13:22(b); 3131(b)