RTW 2024

They said to me, “Things are not going well for those who returned to the province of Judah. They are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem has been torn down, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.”

Nehemiah 1:3

Notice the patience of Nehemiah in starting the assignment. Jeremiah:

Wait

• He didn’t rush to approach King Artaxerxes. He continued his current job for several months.

Wiersbe says it’s dangerous to rush ahead of the Lord.

Pray

• He prayed before approaching King Artaxerxes.

Listen

• His thoughtful and prepared conversation with the king is evidence that he was prayed up. He had an answer for every question.

Prepare

• He arrived in Jerusalem, but didn’t bully his way to be the boss. He surveyed the situation and kept quiet until he had the perfect plan.

All of these equipped Jeremiah with confidence to move forward with assurance of participation and success.

“Gracious hand of God” is a common phrase used to describe Ezra.

And the king granted these requests, because the gracious hand of God was on me.
Nehemiah 2:8b

Wait and pray, not rush.