We’ve come to Day 60 of the daily devotional book and that is to say that one-sixth of year 2012 had just past by in a blink of an eye! That left us with five-sixth of a year or 306 days (to be exact since 2012 is a leap year) to nourish our souls and fire our spirits with Jesus.
Come to think of it, it’s really hard to imagine myself following this devotional book for the past 60 days! Though there may be days where I skipped a page , at least I did not chuck the book aside to collect dust which I usually would if not for the weekly sharings on Facebook!
Turning our focus back to the devotional book, we’re not entering a new phase (Rebuilding broken walls) which features the book of Nehemiah. You,too,like myself must be probably wondering who Nehemiah in the old testament is. Throughout my entire life, I’ve not come across or refer to any of the verses in the book of Nehemiah whether during bible study sessions and church sermons. It’s almost unheard of but yet it is deemed as a most outstanding section of the old testament.
According to some, he is labelled as “the man behind the wall” who dedicated his whole life to God.
A Man of Prayer
Nehemiah was a hebrew in Persia and he was a cupbearer to the King in Persia. From Nehemiah 1:4, it mentioned about how his heart was filled with sadness after hearing the news of the destructions in Jerusalem through his Brother, Hanani.
“They said to me, ‘Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.”
– Nehemiah 1:3
He was anxious about the weakening of Jerusalem, fearing that she could be vulnerable to attacks. So, he mourned,fast and prayed before God. And God answers his prayers!
“O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.”
-Nehemiah 1:11
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| lavistachurchofchrist.org |
Later, in the following bible verses, we will come to know of how Nehemiah was a man of prayers and how devoted he is to God. He has a burning love for God’s people and he would pray fervently for them. He was a faithful and obedient servant of God who desires to honour and glorify God in whatever he does. No wonder Hughes said,” I would never be able to serve the Lord effectively until I understood the principles set out in the book of Nehemiah.”
There’s so much to learn from this man. At this moment, I know I can’t measure up to his obedience and love for God. The story of Nehemiah really led me to ponder about my love for God. Do I place my faith in Him? Do I even have faith that my prayers will be answered? Do I seek to honour and glorify God in his name everday?
So, Father, teach me how to be your faithful servant.
There’s so much to learn from this man who rebuilds the broken wall.
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“Don’t underestimate the power of your prayers because God is listening to your heart desires.”
From The Love Stories on Twitter.
