Nehemiah 1:1-3:14, 1 Corinthians 7:1-24, Psalm 31:19-24, Proverbs 21:4
Pray: What is the last news story locally or globally that caught your attention and moved you to sorrow or tears? Recall or pull up that news story and begin to pray specifically for the people affected. It’s okay to identify with God’s heart by sitting and weeping, while also trusting that He can make things right as you intercede for those involved.
Read: Consider the value of protection and shelter that the Lord provides as you read today.
Edify: The Word of God gives us an interesting dynamic when considering the entire reading. Paul is saying to stay in your situation and honor God in it when it comes to relationships. Nehemiah has a holy discontent where he is situated in the king’s palace and goes to rebuild the wall “on the frontlines” where the danger is. There seems to be a tension as to whether God is calling you to contentment in staying put or discontentment in action. The answer…be faithful to God’s commandments where you stand as Paul urges, be consistent with God’s will and promises while on your knees in prayer like Nehemiah, and finally being both loyal to God and courageous to follow His voice in the process of life (Psalm 31:23-24). Nehemiah’s heart was aligned with God’s promises, courageous to speak up when the king asked about his sadness, and obedient to walk through the door of opportunity the Lord had provided. This is to be both content and patient with the process and discontent until wrongs are made right.
Practice: It took months for an opportunity to arise consistent with Nehemiah’s passionate prayer. It shows him “content” in as much as he fulfilled the duties to the king faithfully in the waiting. What is a bold prayer, consistent with God’s heart and promises in Scripture, that you can begin praying now for someone who is vulnerable (like the wall-less people of Jerusalem)? Pray for them, prepare your heart for action, and be faithful to God where you are in the waiting.
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