Nehemiah 1 THE SECRET
Most people whom we consider to be “successful” have had some principles by which they have governed their lives. (Give some of your own examples. You can find help in “Walking With The Giants”, or “Listening To The Giants” by Warren Wiersbe and published by Baker, Grand Rapids.)
Often, when a person accomplishes something another might ask, “What is the secret to your success?” A Biblical example to knowing the secret to someone’s success is found in Ezra 7:10. You will note that Ezra prepared his heart to seek God’s Word, obey God’s Word, and teach God’s Word.
The Bible also gives us insights into the secret of the success of Nehemiah.
Nehemiah was born in captivity after the fall of Jerusalem. He ended up being the king’s cupbearer, which was a very responsible position. Nehemiah ended up supervising the rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Without strong walls in those days, cities were always open to possible attack. He was also instrumental in revival among the Jewish people.
Nehemiah 1 gives us some insights into the success of Nehemiah.
NEHEMIAH HAD A HEART THAT WAS BURDENED Vss. 1-4
He received bad news concerning the “hometown”.
He did not take the news lightly, but became burdened for the city.
He wept, mourned, fasted, and prayed.
The greater our burden, the more likely God will use us to accomplish His purposes.
NEHEMIAH HAD KNEES THAT WOULD BEND Vss. 4,6
Verse 4 tells us that Nehemiah prayed.
Verse 6 informs us that he prayed day and night.
Great things are accomplished for God through great men and women of prayer.
Luke 18:1-8, John 14:13-14,
NEHEMIAH HAD LIPS THAT WOULD CONFESS Vss. 6-7
Nehemiah realized that sin was the cause of problems. See Psalm 66:18
He confessed his own sins as well as his family’s sins, and the sins of the nation.
See Psalm 32:5 and 1 John 1:9.
NEHEMIAH HAD A WILL THAT WAS SUBMISSIVE Vs. 9
Nehemiah was claiming the promises of God (Deuteronomy 30:1-3).
He is implying in this prayer that he is submitting his will to God’s, being obedient to God’s commandments. God uses obedient servants (1 Samuel 15:22-23).
NEHEMIAH HAD FEET THAT WOULD GO Vs. 10-11
It is obvious in Verse 11 that Nehemiah was going to try to help rectify the problem in Jerusalem.
Nehemiah was willing to be part of the solution to the problem. He asks for mercy in the sight of the king. When we pray for problems, we should be willing to be involved in the answer to our prayers, if God so wills. Our feet must be willing to walk towards the problem and be used in the solution.