Introduction

Welcome, dear friends and family of faith. We are gathered here today, not by chance or circumstance, but by the divine appointment of our Creator. The same Creator who, in His infinite wisdom, has ordained this very moment for us to gather, to learn, and to grow. We are here to draw from the wellspring of His Word, to find nourishment for our souls and guidance for our paths. Isn't it a wonderful thing to know that our God is not a God of confusion, but a God of clarity and purpose? Isn't it a comfort to know that He has a plan for each of us, a plan that is for our good and for His glory?

Prayerful Preparation

The story of Nehemiah provides us with a vivid illustration of how prayer can prepare us for meaningful involvement in God's work. Nehemiah was a cupbearer to the king, a position that required trust and reliability. Despite his high standing in the royal court, Nehemiah was deeply troubled by the state of his homeland, Jerusalem. The city was in ruins, its walls broken down, and its people in despair. But instead of being overwhelmed by the enormity of the situation, Nehemiah turned to prayer.

Sin confession: In his prayer, Nehemiah did not just ask God for help. He confessed the sins of his people, including his own, and reminded God of His promises. This was not a quick, casual prayer. It was a heartfelt plea to God, a sincere expression of his deep concern for his people and his homeland. This prayer was the first step in Nehemiah's preparation for the task ahead.

Continuous prayer: Nehemiah's prayer was not a one-off event. He continued to pray and seek God's guidance throughout the entire process of rebuilding the city walls. He prayed before he approached the king, he prayed when he faced opposition, and he prayed when he encountered difficulties. His prayer life was an integral part of his preparation and participation in the work of God.

Aligning with God’s will: Nehemiah's prayerful preparation was not just about asking God for help. It was also about aligning his will with God's will. He wanted to do God's work in God's way. He was not interested in pursuing his own agenda or seeking his own glory. His primary concern was to fulfill God's purpose and bring glory to God's name. This alignment of wills is a crucial aspect of prayerful preparation. It helps us to focus on what really matters and prevents us from being distracted by our own desires and ambitions.

Seeking wisdom and understanding: He needed to understand the situation in Jerusalem, the resources available to him, and the best strategy to rebuild the city walls. He needed wisdom to deal with the king, to handle opposition, and to lead the people. This wisdom and understanding came through prayer. As James 1:5 tells us, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."

Led to action: Prayer is not a substitute for action, but a preparation for it. After praying, Nehemiah took the necessary steps to fulfill his God-given task. He approached the king, secured the necessary resources, and led the people in the rebuilding of the city walls. His prayerful preparation resulted in purposeful participation in God's work.

Progressive Participation

As we move forward in our examination of Nehemiah's life, we find ourselves standing at the precipice of a significant shift ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO