Nehemiah 2:6-7 “And the king said unto me, (the queen also sitting by him,) For how long shall thy journey be? and when wilt thou return? So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time. Moreover I said unto the king, If it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river, that they may convey me over till I come into Judah”
In many ways, America’s independence began in May 1776 based on wisdom, courage, and diligence. On May 10th, the Continental Congress passed the following:
“Resolved, That it be recommended to the respective assemblies and conventions of the United Colonies, where no government sufficient to the exigencies of their affairs have been hitherto established, to adopt such government as shall, in the opinion of the representatives of the people, best conduce to the happiness and safety of their constituents in particular, and America in general.”
This single act of bravery by the unified Continental Congress set the stage for subsequent acts of bravery. This resolution formally triggered a period of preparation for independence. It laid the foundation for success.
Nehemiah had such a time that laid the foundation for his success. His request to the king formally triggered his period of preparation. After praying “to the God of heaven” (v5) Nehemiah boldly proclaimed his God-given mission and pursued the practical preparation that would allow him to succeed.
Until we step out by faith while practically preparing for the God-given missions in our lives, then we will never succeed. PLEASE PRAY FOR WISDOM, COURAGE, AND DILIGENCE IN PLANNING OUR FUTURE ROLES FOR GOD. If we fail to rely upon God for all three characteristics, then we will never be conveyed into Judah.
SET YOUR ALARM: If you’re alarmed (that the best America has to offer are two deeply-flawed candidates for President), set your alarm (to pray for our nation)!
