RETURN ERA.
After being exiled in Babylon for many years, the Jews were given permission by King Cyrus to return to their land. Zerubbabel led the first group back to rebuild the temple, and despite severe opposition the work was completed seventy years after the temple was destroyed. A second group returned to Jerusalem in 458 BC under the leadership of Ezra, whose primary calling from God was to rebuild the spiritual life of Israel through teaching the Scripture and through prayer. Then 14 years later, Nehemiah led the final large group back to Jerusalem primarily to rebuild the walls.
1. GOD LOVES TO USE people who faithfully bloom where they are planted.
Nehemiah had a high-status position, was highly trusted and respected by the King, and was faithful to God in the role God had placed him. Nehemiah was faithfully carrying out his duties as a cupbearer to the King when he learned that things were not going well in Jerusalem.
2. GOD LOVES TO USE people whose heart breaks over the things that break the heart of God.
The returnees were suffering in Jerusalem in large part because the city walls remained in ruins, leaving them totally vulnerable to a variety of marauding tribes. Nehemiah was so burdened by this that he sat down and wept.
3. GOD LOVES TO USE people who come to Him first in prayer.
When Nehemiah heard the news, he mourned, fasted and prayed for over four months. Nehemiah’s heart was burning for action, but he knew all his activity would accomplish little without God, so he got alone with God in prayer.
After praying to God for help, Nehemiah boldly asked the King for a long list of things, including: permission to leave his position as the King’s trusted cupbearer; permission to take a large group of Jewish exiles to Jerusalem; letters of reference to give him authority to rebuild the walls; and funds to purchase whatever supplies he needed to finish the job. The King said YES. Why? Because Nehemiah had asked God to do what he couldn’t do.
God most often chooses to WAIT to act until we have asked Him in prayer. We can’t change hearts in our own strength. Changing hearts is the work of God in response to our prayers.
4. GOD LOVES TO USE people who invite others to join them in answering their prayer.
Prayer really matters, but Nehemiah didn’t just pray. He made himself available to meet the need. He got involved. After receiving the permission of the king, Nehemiah headed to Jerusalem and spent a few days secretly inspecting the broken-down walls himself; then he moved forward to take action. Nehemiah recruited leaders and established work teams to repair different sections of the wall. They worked together and next to each other, each doing their part. As soon as they started rebuilding the wall, they faced opposition.
When you step up into a leadership position or when you step out in faith and join a ministry that is making a difference for God and His kingdom, expectopposition. Are you willing to be part of the answer? Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble.” Count on it!
5. GOD LOVES TO USE people who PERSEVERE. The difference-makers that God uses have a courageous persistence even in the midst of discouragement and fear.
Nehemiah determined not to get distracted or be discouraged. He just kept on going. As a result, the wall was completed in 52 days! Absolutely amazing!