Nehemiah 2
1In the month of Nisan in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was brought for him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had not been sad in his presence before, 2 so the king asked me, “Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart.”
I was very much afraid, 3 but I said to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should my face not look sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?”
4 The king said to me, “What is it you want?”
Then I prayed to the God of heaven, 5 and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.”
6 Then the king, with the queen sitting beside him, asked me, “How long will your journey take, and when will you get back?” It pleased the king to send me; so I set a time.
Persistence in Prayer
Nehemiah spent up to five months praying for the opportunity to present his request to the king. Neh 1:1 says he started in Kislev and 2:1 gives the answer in the month of Nisan. He did not give up but kept his hope that God would intervene.
Waiting in Anticipation
Nehemiah was just doing his job as the cupbearer to the king. He was in a trusted position. The king knew of his integrity. During those five months he carried the burden for Jerusalem around with him. He prayed for the opportunity, that a door would open. It came in a way where he did not need to risk his life. The king took the initiative.
Taking the Risk
King Artaxerxes knew his cupbearer. He saw him probably every day. He saw that something was bothering Nehemiah. Nehemiah was afraid to respond to the king. Why? He did not know how the king would react. This was the most powerful person in the world at that time. Yet, Nehemiah was honest. He was brave enough to ask tell the king the truth.
Prayer as a way of life.
Nehemiah gave a quick whisper prayer. This was his first instinct. This reveals that he was a man of prayer. It was part of his life. In fact, the 13 chapters of the book of Nehemiah record nine prayers. God gave Nehemiah the confidence to respond, clearly, and directly.
Being Ready for the Right Moment
Nehemiah had planned carefully what to say. God had given him ideas. He was just waiting for the right opportunity to make his request to the king. At the right moment the door will open if we have prayed with earnestness.
Nehemiah was strategic in his planning. He knew he would be in danger. Notice that Nehemiah attributed the king’s help to God. Nehemiah had done his part and he needed the king’s help, but he knew God was behind the whole thing. God had been working behind the scenes.
Nehemiah has vision, he was a man of prayer, he was ready for the opportunity, and he gave God the glory with the door opened.
For older posts, click here.