Faith Journey

Nehemiah 1:1-4

Have you ever eaten half of your meal and then realized you forgot to pray the blessing. Feeling somewhat embarrassed, you stop the feast and ask God’s blessing on the food.  On which part were you asking God to bless, that which has already begun the digestive process or that which is still on the plate?  What’s the point?

It’s easy to walk through life that way.  You start a major project, career choice or life impacting decision and then as an afterthought, you ask God’s blessing on your choice.  “God, here’s what I’m going to do and because I’m a Christian I expect you to bless my actions.”  It’s like we’re reminding God that he’s our servant – kind of like our personal genie in a bottle.

Nehemiah’s story provides a great example of how one man made choices.  It’s really quite simple.  Nehemiah’s action point came after God revealed what the action was supposed to be.  Then in obedience, Nehemiah submitted to God’s choices.

What was Nehemiah project? He was determined to rebuild the perimeter walls of Jerusalem. Was this important to God? Absolutely! Are your decisions important to God? Count on it.  The Apostle Paul said, “…whatever you do, do it to the praise and glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

The Point: Walk each day in relationship with God, always in humility and prayer so that God is able to direct your paths (Psalm 143:10).  Before Nehemiah set out a plan, he fasted and prayed seeking God’s direction and blessing (Nehemiah 1:4).