Prayer Focus-Burden of Nehemiah
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Focus, we take a look at the burden of Nehemiah, turned into a prayer and mission.
In Nehemiah 1:3, the report came to Nehemiah in Persia from Jerusalem that the wall was broken down, and its gates burned with fire. Nehemiah responded by sitting down and weeping. Then he prayed to the God of heaven with reverence and humility.
He asked God for success to have favor with the king. He then approached the king with a request to rebuild Jerusalem. Nehemiah 2:8 relates the outcome: “Because the gracious hand of my God was on me, the king granted my requests.”
One of the ways that God accomplishes His purposes in us is to turn our burdens into prayer and steps of obedience to His plan. Where He guides, He provides us with the support we need.
The burden of Nehemiah, turned into a prayer and mission, is worth examining for a faith-focused life.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com