If it Pleases the King
Nehemiah 2:1-6 (NLT)
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. So the king asked me, “Why are you looking so sad? You don’t look sick to me. You must be deeply troubled.”
Then I was terrified, but I replied, “Long live the king! How can I not be sad? For the city where my ancestors are buried is in ruins, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.”
The king asked, “Well, how can I help you?”
With a prayer to the God of heaven, I replied, “If it please the king, and if you are pleased with me, your servant, send me to Judah to rebuild the city where my ancestors are buried.”
The king, with the queen sitting beside him, asked, “How long will you be gone? When will you return?” After I told him how long I would be gone, the king agreed to my request.
Reflection
Nehemiah was the servant of a king in a land far from Jerusalem. It made no sense that God would use him to rebuild the walls. Yet God called him.
When I read this set of verses, it immediately reminded me of a situation I went through a little over a year ago. In November of 2022, I went on a week-long trip to the Dominican Republic. While there, I was asked to move there to be an intern for six months. That’s a big ask!
In order to do this thing that God was obviously calling me to do, lots of things would have to take place. One of the most intimidating was having a tough conversation with my boss. I was scared of how it would turn out. What would happen? How would he handle it? What would the future look like?
When I was finally able to meet with him, my nerves were at an all-time high. But I was met with love and grace and understanding. Over the next couple weeks, I was supported both emotionally and financially. I was loved on and made to feel special. A year later, I have the privilege of again working in the same special place.
Just like Nehemiah, God was calling me to take a scary step of faith to do something important far from home. And just like Nehemiah, He provided favor and grace when it came time to take that step. And you’re no different. When God calls you to do something, He provides.
Action Steps
What step is God calling you to take? Spend time in prayer seeking His favor and grace.
Prayer
God, thank You for calling me. Thank You for providing me with the things I need in order to take those steps. Continue to call and guide me. Let Your will be accomplished through me. Amen.
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. So the king asked me, “Why are you looking so sad? You don’t look sick to me. You must be deeply troubled.”
Then I was terrified, but I replied, “Long live the king! How can I not be sad? For the city where my ancestors are buried is in ruins, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.”
The king asked, “Well, how can I help you?”
With a prayer to the God of heaven, I replied, “If it please the king, and if you are pleased with me, your servant, send me to Judah to rebuild the city where my ancestors are buried.”
The king, with the queen sitting beside him, asked, “How long will you be gone? When will you return?” After I told him how long I would be gone, the king agreed to my request.
Reflection
Nehemiah was the servant of a king in a land far from Jerusalem. It made no sense that God would use him to rebuild the walls. Yet God called him.
When I read this set of verses, it immediately reminded me of a situation I went through a little over a year ago. In November of 2022, I went on a week-long trip to the Dominican Republic. While there, I was asked to move there to be an intern for six months. That’s a big ask!
In order to do this thing that God was obviously calling me to do, lots of things would have to take place. One of the most intimidating was having a tough conversation with my boss. I was scared of how it would turn out. What would happen? How would he handle it? What would the future look like?
When I was finally able to meet with him, my nerves were at an all-time high. But I was met with love and grace and understanding. Over the next couple weeks, I was supported both emotionally and financially. I was loved on and made to feel special. A year later, I have the privilege of again working in the same special place.
Just like Nehemiah, God was calling me to take a scary step of faith to do something important far from home. And just like Nehemiah, He provided favor and grace when it came time to take that step. And you’re no different. When God calls you to do something, He provides.
Action Steps
What step is God calling you to take? Spend time in prayer seeking His favor and grace.
Prayer
God, thank You for calling me. Thank You for providing me with the things I need in order to take those steps. Continue to call and guide me. Let Your will be accomplished through me. Amen.
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