Love That Never Fails

75. The Gracious Hand of My God

After Nehemiah had spent four months praying about the situation in Jerusalem, it was time for action! God had him in a very important role as an official of King Artaxerxes.  As the royal cup bearer, Nehemiah tasted all of the food and wine before the king, to protect him from being poisoned. The king would have had great faith in Nehemiah so in this setting, there was already a sense of trust and respect between the two men. Look at how God had set Nehemiah up in this position and after such a lengthy time of prayer, see how God was able to make everything fall into place:

"In the month of Nisan in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was brought for him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had not been sad in his presence before, so the king asked me, "Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart."

Apparently, at that time, it was inappropriate to be sad before a king. All who came into his presence were to be happy! This surely would have been challenging for Nehemiah at this time!  Notice that the king knows his servant well and immediately realises there is something on his heart. This reminds me that God, our King, knows us so intimately and sees the state of our heart too!

I was very much afraid, but I said to the king, "May the king live forever! Why should my face not look sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?"

Nehemiah was honest in sharing his burden with the king.  All of those months of prayer had made him quite bold!

The king said to me, "What is it you want?"

Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king, "If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it."

Knowing him well, the king gives him permission to lay his requests before him. I love the way Nehemiah senses the need for a bit more assistance from God and he sends up a quick prayer before speaking. This is such a good model for us. Our prayers don't all need to be long. We can ask for help with just a word!

Then the king, with the queen sitting beside him, asked me, "How long will your journey take, and when will you get back?"

It pleased the king to send me; so I set a time. I also said to him, "If it pleases the king, may I have letters to the governors of Trans-Euphrates, so that they will provide me safe-conduct until I arrive in Judah? And may I have a letter to Asaph, keeper of the royal park, so he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel by the temple and for the city wall and for the residence I will occupy?"

And because the gracious hand of my God was on me, the king granted my requests. So I went to the governors of Trans-Euphrates and gave them the king's letters. The king had also sent army officers and cavalry with me."
‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭2:1-9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

As Nehemiah spoke, his long hours in prayer were apparent! God had given him the guidance to formulate a plan. He had also given Nehemiah the confidence he required for such a moment. God prepared the king's heart to respond and Nehemiah knew it! The request was granted and God gave Nehemiah even more than what he asked for as the king also sent army officers and cavalry with him. Imagine how thankful Nehemiah was!

We can have great confidence to know that God goes before us and answers our prayers too, going above and beyond even what we prayed for.  When He has a job for us to do, He opens up the way!

Let's pray:

Heavenly Father,

How wonderful it is to have assurance that You hear my prayers and that You go before me, opening up the way even when I imagine it to be a very difficult situation. Thank You that You give me confidence to move forward and carry out Your plans for my life. Lord may I be sensitive to Your calling in ways I can serve You. May I be compassionate and bold but totally reliant on You as I seek to serve You.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.