Power Point - November 30, 2005

November 30, 2005

 

Now I had never been sad in his presence before. Therefore the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, since you are not sick? This is nothing but sorrow of heart.” So I became dreadfully afraid, and said to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should my face not be sad, when the city - the place of my fathers’ tombs - lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire?” Then the king said to me, “What do you request?” So I prayed to the God of heaven. And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ tombs, that I may rebuild it.”… And the king granted them to me according to the good hand of my God upon me.

--Nehemiah 2:1-11

 

I’m a big baseball fan and have been since I was a little boy. I’ll never forget the first time I got to step up to the plate in a real game when I was about seven years old. Butterflies were flying around like buzzards in my stomach, but it was exciting to finally get into the game and off the sideline!

 

After Nehemiah asked the king’s permission to return home to Judah for a time to help rebuild the city, it was time for him to step up to the plate and get in the game. In life, there are always people who criticize and minimize those who are on the field in the action. But it takes courage and commitment to step up to the plate and get in the game. And frankly, very few Christians are doing it.

 

Nehemiah wasn’t an old ancient prophet with nothing to say — instead he was a young, energetic, and dynamic leader who made a difference. I want to challenge you to step up to the plate. People who make a difference as Nehemiah did pray fervently before taking action, persevere patiently, proceed confidently, and prosper gratefully.

 

Nehemiah realized he was successful because “the good hand of [his] God” was upon him. When God’s hand is upon your life, He opens doors that no one can shut. From the life and story of Nehemiah, you can learn that prayer is a spiritual method for practical needs, we are what we are because of what we do with our opportunities, and God’s work never lacks for God’s supply. When God calls, He equips us. What He guides, He provides. Seize the day and commit yourself to following the Lord completely and confidently.

 

“THERE IS NO SECURITY ON THIS EARTH; THERE IS ONLY OPPORTUNITY. EMPTY YOUR DAYS OF THE SEARCH OF SECURITY AND FILL THEM WITH A PASSION FOR SERVICE.” –GENERAL DOUGLAS MACARTHUR