Nehemiah 2:1–6 ‘I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favour in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.”’ (v5)
We mentioned a few days ago how the practice of prayer is more like sowing seeds than using a heavenly slot machine.
If we want to see favour and blessing in our lives, we need to be praying today for opportunities of favour tomorrow.
For in the story of Nehemiah, much of what happens to him in chapter 2 is because he has spent many days praying and fasting in chapter 1.
We demand the instant, miraculous answer to our prayers, but favour often appears when we are not expecting it.
Prayer and fasting is the preparation for the miraculous opportunities for favour. Are we prepared to speak if the moment came?
Nehemiah was ready when the opportunity for favour presented itself because he had put in the preparation of prayer. Many people want to be influential instantly.
The most valuable things in life often require commitment and time. Most overnight successes take years of practice.
Olympic gold medal winners do not wake up in the morning and think, ‘Let’s have a go at this race or event’; they practised daily for years for that one moment.
How often are we guilty of hoping it will all work out, without putting in the prayerful preparation?
A Prayer To Make:
‘Lord, sorry when I have wanted quick answers to prayer without the preparation. Help me to pray consistently so I am ready when the opportunity for favour comes along. Amen.’
An Action To Take:
Write down your prayer goals. List people and situations where you want to see breakthrough. Set aside regular time for daily prayer for these concerns on your list.
Scripture To Consider:
Gen. 12:1–3; Ps. 90:17; Matt. 6:33; Luke 2:52
