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Inspirational Message

Inspirational Message: Nehemiah Had Faithful Prayers For Tough Times!

The prayerful life of Nehemiah, God’s servant, made him a spotlight during the post exilic period of history. Being the king’s cupbearer or royal wine taster and governor (445-433BC) carried many responsibilities. The book of Nehemiah was written in the first person narrative. Because the gracious power of God was filling his mouth with the right words and covered Nehemiah with the shadow of His hand (Isaiah 51:16) the king with his wife beside him, granted all that was needed to restore the temple (Nehemiah 2)! How did the people of Judah respond to Nehemiah? God, the Persian king and the people supported Nehemiah’s project. God made it possible for the Jews, priests, nobles and others to do the work. With mockery and ridicules from opposers (Nehemiah 2: 19-20), Nehemiah’s answers centered around the God of heaven giving them success. In our world today, we too can always call on the God of heaven when earthly help is inadequate. God is greater than anyone or anything on earth. We, as his servants, must continue to do our best in tough times. God in His awesome manner will always do the impossible for us!

Around 445BC Nehemiah led Jewish exiles from Persia to Jerusalem to rebuild the city’s broken down walls. Despite extreme discouragement from enemies, the task was accomplished in only 52 days! Prayer was Nehemiah’s secret to success. What is the real key to Nehemiah’s prayer life? How was he able to get such a disorganized, discouraged and disillusioned group of people working for God? Without doubt God supplied Nehemiah with excellent leadership, motivational and organizational skills. The story of Nehemiah reveals a man who walked and talked with God daily and was completely dependent on Him. Four of Nehemiah’s prayers contain the word “remember” which was used to refer to all he had done for the Israelites (Nehemiah 5:19; 13:14, 22, 31). When discouraged (Nehemiah 1: 5-11) he prayed. Even during those busy days, he carried on a continuous conversation with God (Nehemiah 2). At times when he was under attack from enemies he prayed (Nehemiah 9). During weak and powerless times, he prayed. Happiness and success also brought about the need for prayers. Nehemiah spent time thanking and praising God (Nehemiah 12: 27-47).

Let us strive to live according to the will of God. We can continue to ask God to hear our prayers day and night just as Nehemiah did when he was confronted by a monumental task. Strong opposition may meet us in tough situations, but let us remember to meet each attack with patience and fervent prayers. Nehemiah’s response is a great example for us. We must show faith by doing our part to succeed in life as we trust God who calls us to pray and work. How do we face difficult situations? By all means pray! God works in us daily as we grasp the truth of His power!

Mrs. Gladys R. McElmore, a resident of Norfolk’s Middle Town Arch Community, is a New Journal and Guide Freelance Contributor on religion. She is a native of Essex County, Va.

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