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While cupbearer to the king of Persia, Nehemiah was profoundly moved by the news brought to him of the plight of his people in Judah. They were persecuted, despised and exposed. The city of Jerusalem and its walls lay in ruins. As he prayed and fasted, a noble plan began to form in his mind, but how could it be accomplished? Though it endangered his life, he simply couldn't conceal his deep anguish from the king.
"He asked me, 'Why are you looking so sad? You don’t look sick to me. You must be deeply troubled.' Then I was terrified, but I replied, 'Long live the king! How can I not be sad? For the city where my ancestors are buried is in ruins, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.' The king asked, 'Well, how can I help you?' With a prayer to the God of heaven, I replied, 'If it please the king, and if you are pleased with me, your servant, send me to Judah to rebuild the city where my ancestors are buried.' The king – with the queen sitting beside him – asked, 'How long will you be gone? When will you return?' After I told him how long I would be gone, the king agreed to my request."
I believe the world wants to hear all about our noble plans of faith and confident trust in God. They warm to courage, purpose and significant initiatives that are not self-centred and self-promoting. More often than not, it produces in them the desire to offer help and support. I can just see the sparkle in the eyes of both king and queen as Nehemiah made the big ask for letters addressed to governors for safe passage and to the manager of the king's forest for a supply of timber. They even provided him with an armed guard. "The king granted these requests because the gracious hand of God was on me."
The world can often give us more encouragement than the people of God, who all too frequently are negative, and look for flaws and "certain" difficulties that will render the project impossible! But nothing is impossible with God. Genuine faith, demonstrated joyfully by taking risks, can draw people to Jesus; it can lead to opportunities to share the gospel. Let's pursue the noble dreams and plans God gives to us. We only have one life!
A dear friend and faithful intercessor recently wrote to me: "Prayer is the key. May we not be found sleeping. Oh yes, we need to intercede for the precious Body of Christ in Ukraine and in Russia. For the last two days, I have had a strong feeling that, in the spiritual realms, and in Jesus' name, we can claim 2 Chr. 20:22: 'At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord set ambushes against [their enemies] and they were defeated.' I see the Body of Christ standing tall, singing and praising God and standing with fatherless Ukrainian families, the elderly women bent over with care, and with wounded Ukrainian soldiers with yellow arm bands. They are all walking in one direction – up hill with the forces of darkness behind being pushed along by Putin's mob. Instead of weeping I choose to lay a hand on Ukraine on my world map and praise the Saviour of the World - our Mighty Warrior King: Jesus!"