The “Mundane” is Just as Important.
I was reading the first two chapters of the book of Nehemiah the other day, and a couple things stood out to me.
The book begins with Nehemiah receiving news that the wall of Jerusalem is broken down and the gates were destroyed. So what does Nehemiah do next? He prays. Prays a prayer of repentance for him and his people, asking God to rescue them. Then, he goes about his duties as a cupbearer to the king.
When the king speaks to Nehemiah, he tells the king what happened, and the king asks what Nehemiah is requesting — pause. The sentence directly following the king’s question is this: “So I prayed to the God of heaven.”
Friends, let’s pause and pray more — even in the midst of a conversation. The God who knows all and hears all has given His followers the Holy Spirit for the everyday moments. In the midst of toddler tantrums, in the face of bad news — let us be a people who pause and pray for wisdom before we respond. (See James 1:19-20 also).
The chapter continues by showing how Nehemiah’s request was granted. He goes to Jerusalem and rebuilds the wall. He played a part in Daniel’s prophecy (Daniel 9:25).
Friends, here is my second observation. There was no angel that appeared to Nehemiah in this passage. There was no great vision in the night. No, there was but a prayer and eyes open to see God’s work at hand. An answer of “yes” and a step forward in faith.
In parenthood, in your 8-5, in your commute, and in your errands — let us pray that our eyes would be open to the opportunities around us that the Lord has placed before us. And then, let us walk in them — in faith — trusting that God will supply our every need as we follow Him.
“And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me. And they said, “Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for the good work.” Nehemiah 2:18
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19