is god listening? Act iv - An empowered heart
Water cooler conversation:
What was your biggest win this week? What was your biggest challenge?
What’s the boldest thing you’ve ever said or done?
Unpack the Message:
The Book of Nehemiah opens with Nehemiah coming to God with a broken heart, pleading with God to do something about the state of Jerusalem. Though the exiles had returned before, the city walls and the temple were still in Jerusalem. He spends months in prayer, persistently expressing sorrow for his sin with an honest, open heart over Israel's sin and his desire that God's people would once again turn to Him. Nehemiah's prayer is one of resolve, praise, thanksgiving, repentance, specific requests, and commitment to obey whatever God asks.
In Nehemiah 2, we see Nehemiah’s empowered heart. He has returned to Jerusalem and has risen to the rank of cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, a role that required him to be a man of impeccable character, above reproach, and with loyalty capable of winning the king's complete confidence. In this role, he has almost unparalleled access to the king.
As Nehemiah presents the king with his cup, Artexerxes notes that Nehemiah looks sad and inquires about the reason. Though he’s in a position of authority, Nehemiah is afraid to speak up. By asking Artaxerxes to consent to rebuild the city walls and the temple, Nehemiah effectively asks the king to reverse a royal edict forbidding the Jews to rebuild (Ezra 4:21-23). However, Nehemiah 2:3 says, “but I said to the king,” realizing that this is the opportunity he has been praying for. Nehemiah recognizes that “some days”(Nehemiah 1:4) can change in one day with the power of God. Therefore, he knows he must be bold and seize the opportunity before him.
Being bold does not mean fearless. Nehemiah stepped out of fear into opportunity. He sees his chance to present his request to the king and sets aside his fear. Nehemiah prays (Nehemiah 2:4), then boldly says, “send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it” (Nehemiah 2:5). Where did that confidence come from? Simple — Nehemiah was empowered in prayer. Artaxerxes responds by asking for a timeline instead of outright refusal. Once again, Nehemiah responds with boldness, asking the king to supply him with papers proving the king’s consent as well as a letter to Asaph, keeper of the timber, instructing him to provide Nehemiah with the supplies necessary to do the work.
Nehemiah 2:8 says, “the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my request.” Nehemiah recognizes that no rank or respect afforded him in the royal court could compare to the favor of God on his life because he’d spent months in prayer. Artaxerxes didn’t give consent because Nehemiah was his trusted cupbearer but because it was God’s will at work in the king’s heart. Because he’d spent months in prayer, Nehemiah could see God’s gracious hand at work and could confidently make his request. Boldness is trust in action. It doesn’t mean fearless; it means trusting God in the actions you take.
When God’s hand is on you...be bold. Nehemiah spent four months praying and fasting in order to align his heart with God’s. That time of focused intentionality enabled him to discern the hand of God positioning him so that he could accomplish his mission.
That same discernment is within our reach. God sent Jesus to die on the cross to reconcile us to Himself, opening the door for access to our Heavenly King. This intimate relationship with Him enables us to discern when God’s hand is on us so that we, like Nehemiah, step boldly through our fear into opportunity.
Being bold for Jesus as Nehemiah was is a living illustration of our value PASSION OVER COMFORT. Share a time with the group that you stepped out of your comfort zone into boldness and obedience.
What’s the most practical way to determine if it’s time to turn your concern into action? What is prayer’s role in this process?
When have you felt the kind of confidence in God each day that Nehemiah had when he talked about rebuilding?
Ephesians 3:30 promises that God is able to do more than we can ask or imagine. When have you seen Him do abundantly more than you hoped in your life?
Discuss Edwin Yamauchi’s statement, “Those who are boldest for God have the greatest need to be in prayer.”
James 2 encourages us to live out our faith in tangible, practical ways. Why is your faith “dead and useless” if it isn’t put into action?
Has God laid a burden or ministry opportunity on your heart? Make yourself accountable by sharing it with your eGroup, your pastors, or your peers.
Make a Move:
Nehemiah wept over the destruction in Jerusalem, and his grief led to action. If we feel passionately about a particular problem or need, it’s usually a sign that God is calling us to act in that area. Take time this week to pray and ask God for the boldness to place PASSION OVER COMFORT and step into opportunity.
Prayer Prompt:
Father, I recognize that in the light of eternity, the things that call to me and demand my attention are often insignificant. Light a fire within me to passionately chase after You. May I begin every day in prayer with thanks for all you do and protect me from every day. Use me to accomplish Your kingdom work here on earth. May I step out of my comfort zone and live out PASSION OVER COMFORT, aligning my heart with Yours. Amen.