Nehemiah 2:7–9 ‘And because the gracious hand of my God was on me, the king granted my requests.’ (v8)
This is a beautiful moment in the story, where Nehemiah adds the extravagant request. Makes the Big Ask.
Having nervously asked the King for some leave and got his royal approval, he then adds on an extra plea: ‘Could I have a security team and extra timber, because I will need the wood for the new walls, gates and a house for myself!’
Nehemiah, the cupbearer has upsold the King. How often do we only ask for the bare minimum?
We believe in an extravagant, generous God who has the ‘riches of heaven’ and who owns the ‘cattle on a thousand hills’ and ‘can do abundantly more than we ask or imagine’, yet our prayers are often well within our human budgets, let alone a heavenly one.
What would happen if we asked for more than enough? What if we brought our prayers to our Father God and added on the Big Ask like Nehemiah?
Maybe, just maybe God would smile back at our audacity and say, ‘I’m glad you asked, my child – here it is.’
Nehemiah started by asking for the needs of Jerusalem – resources to rebuild the walls and gates. He then asked for something extra that he didn’t need.
A house to stay in. How often do we ask God to provide for our needs, but are hesitant to ask for our wants? What is your Big Ask?
A Prayer To Make:
‘Lord, sorry when I think too small and assume too little. You are an incredible God and a generous father who gives good gifts to His children. Thank You. Amen.’
An Action To Take:
Go back to the prayer list you wrote. Now add some extra items that are beyond what you need. Something audacious. What if God is waiting for you to ask for more like Nehemiah?
Scripture To Consider:
Ps. 50:10; Mal. 3:10; Eph. 3:20; Phil. 4:19
