Creator, Father, King #118

O Lord, please hear my prayer! Listen to the prayers of those of us who delight in honoring you.

THROUGHOUT HISTORY, THERE HAVE been many things once considered impossible—or not previously conceived—that humans have accomplished. Here’s a list of a few:

• sailing around the globe
• human flight
• automobile transportation for the general public
• television
• personal computer ownership for most American households
• the Internet
• short lines at Disney World in July

Well, at least we got the first six out of seven.

But you get the point. God has given us the ability to achieve many things that were once considered impossible.

When Nehemiah surveyed the charred ruins of once-mighty Jerusalem in 445 BC, he faced what must have felt like insurmountable odds. Yet in a mere fifty-two days, he rebuilt an entire city wall despite significant challenges and constant opposition.

How did he do it? Here’s one way to categorize his divinely blessed success, as he records firsthand in the fascinating book of Nehemiah:

1. He humbly submitted his plans to the Lord.
2. He bathed his endeavor in prayer.
3. He acknowledged God’s blessings.
4. He met opposition with godly courage and wisdom.

What’s It Mean?

Do you want to accomplish great, even seemingly impossible things for God? Then follow Nehemiah’s blueprint for success!

1. Humbly submit your plans to the Lord. Is your idea from God (Nehemiah 2:12), or something you’ve fabricated for personal gain? To determine which, pray and seek godly counsel about it.
2. Bathe your endeavor in prayer. Nehemiah was constantly in prayer throughout his wall-building enterprise for all kinds of requests (1:4-11; 2:4; 4:9; 6:9; 13:14, 22, 29, 31). We would do well to follow his example.
3. Acknowledge God’s blessings. Pride goes before a fall (Proverbs 16:18). We can never accomplish anything apart from God’s empowering grace. Nehemiah knew this (Nehemiah 2:8), and we need to also.
4. Meet opposition with godly courage and wisdom. Nehemiah had to fight hostility throughout his campaign. You should expect spiritual resistance too (Ephesians 6:16). Fight it with “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17) and prayer.

There is a great deal involved in accomplishing great things for God. But following Nehemiah’s model is a great place to start!

Now What?

Dream big and pray big about how God wants to use you in his Kingdom—all for his glory—and see where he leads you.

Did You Know?

The area of Jerusalem that Nehemiah walled in 445 BC—while still impressive—was much smaller than the city that Babylon destroyed in 586.