We are in the series MISSION POSSIBLE. Looking at the life of Nehemiah, we will see that for him, as well as for us, sometimes the mission is critical. If we look at our circumstances through physical eyes, it may seem impossible to find a way out of trouble. However, any mission God call’s us to can be accomplished as we learn to pray.

Prayer should be our first response in trouble. When the men came back from Jerusalem and told Nehemiah the city was in in ruins, Nehemiah wept, fasted, and prayed. He made prayer his priority. Instead of jumping into action, he turned his attention to God.

Too often we don’t pray more because we think we can handle our problems on our own and need to be reminded what Jesus said in John, “Apart from me you can do nothing.” It is humbling to admit that we need help, but then, God steps in and lightens our load as we depend on Him.

As we look at Nehemiah’s prayer, we learn that we can base our request on God’s character. God is bigger than our problem. He is faithful to His word and is a promise keeper. We also see that as Nehemiah magnifies God, he realizes his own shortcomings and that his way isn’t working. Lastly in this example of prayer, we see Nehemiah reminding God of his promises.

There are over 7000 promises in the Bible waiting to be claimed. It is good for us to remind God of His promises as we pray. God’s promises are the keys that unlock the answers to prayer.

Learn to wait upon the Lord and don’t become impatient if the answer doesn’t come immediately. Remember that this is just a sample of Nehemiah’s prayers. Nehemiah prayed for over 4 months and as he prayed, he gained clarity and received direction. His prayer of conviction in God’s ability, moved him to confession of his need for help. This in time grew into a prayer of confidence and thanksgiving for all God had promised. 

When your circumstances seem overwhelming, remember to turn to God. Wait on Him and declare his promises, knowing that with Him, all things are possible.

Scriptures: Ezekiel 22:30 (Living Bible), Matthew 5:3, Isaiah 40:31, Jeremiah 33:3, Nehemiah 1:5-10, Romans 12:1-2, Romans 8:1, Philippians 4:19

Verses: They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.  -Isaiah 40:31

Questions: In what area of your life, has God been prompting you to depend more on Him? When faced with a problem, do you go to God first or try to figure it out on your own?  In what ways might depending fully on God, help you see victory during a trying situation?

Prayer: Thank you, Father for caring about all the things that bother me. You are powerful and strong. You are the God who created heaven and earth and are not bound by time or space. Thank you for all your promises which strengthen and help me. Thank you for supplying all my needs. Your word says that I can cast all my fears and anxieties on you, and you will exchange them for Your peace. That is really what I need right now, so, I put my trust in you right now. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.