Wednesday – History

Reading – Nehemiah 1-2

Highlight Verse:

“Early the following spring, in the month of Nisan, during the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes’ reign, I was serving the king his wine. I had never before appeared sad in his presence.”
‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Did you notice that?

Nehemiah heard about the state of things in Jerusalem in the fall.

Even though it greatly disturbed him, he waited until spring to bring it to the king’s attention.

Why?

We were at a concert Sunday night and at intermission there was an emotional plea for people to sponsor children.

That’s not a bad thing.

We sponsor two children with the same organization ourselves.

But the concert pleas do cause people to make decisions based on their emotions.

Occasionally that can lead to some bad financial consequences.

Nehemiah waited, not out of procrastination, but out of wisdom, getting God’s vision for what he should do.

He hid his desires to help Jerusalem from the king until the timing was right and God had set His plans into motion.

Those plans involved Nehemiah.

Nehemiah was faithful to do his part in those plans.

And God had already set His plans into motion giving Nehemiah miraculous success.

There was strong opposition.

But God is stronger.

So, the next time you are moved with emotion to make an important decision, take the time to pray through it.

All the way through it.

And when God reveals His plans for you in that decision, move into it boldly, and God will pave the way for effective ministry.

Have you ever made an important decision based on emotions?
What about based on continued prayer and study?
Which came out better in the end?