A God Ask (Nehemiah 2:1-8) - 6/8/22

INTRO

• In chapter one we saw the relationship that Nehemiah had with the Lord.

• In this passage we see how his trust in the Lord allowed his calling and purpose to come into being.

• Nehemiah has a burden for his people, but to act upon that burden could mean death.

• The key was Nehemiah’s trust in YAHWEH… His trust in God.

He Trusted and Waited – vv. 1-3

It has been 4 months since he received the news of the condition in Jerusalem

• He was seeking and waiting

• Patience and trust

• The idea of calmness

Heb. 6:12, Psalm 46:10

Prayerfully waiting on God’s perfect timing

He Trusted and Acted – vv. 4-8

His waiting… was so that he could act.

• What he did in private allowed him to do what he did in public

HE HAD A BIG ASK

• Let me go

• Bless my vision

• Pay for my vision

Nehemiah had a desire that was embraced by Artaxerxes… but ultimately it was God’s plan and purpose.

• Proverbs 21:1

• His Kingdom come, His will be done. Matt 6:9-13

Nehemiah’s Strategy

• Nehemiah knew what God was asking him to do.

  • He had a vision and purpose

• He thought through it

  • He had a plan to see it through

• He acted upon it

  • A big ask