Heroes: Nehemiah – The Burdened Boss

Heroes: Life Lessons from Faith Champions

Part 12 – Nehemiah – The Burdened Boss

Nehemiah

3 They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” Nehemiah 1:3

4 When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. Nehemiah 1:4

Lesson #1 – God can use your for and for His !

Lesson #2 – Before acting on your , fervently!

4 …For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. Nehemiah 1:4

5 Then I said:

“Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you. 7 We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.

8 “Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, 9 but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’

10 “They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. 11 Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.”

I was cupbearer to the king. Nehemiah 1:5-11

Three Essential Components for Prayer (Nehemiah 1:5-11)

1) God’s awesomeness and love!

5 … “Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, Nehemiah 1:5

7 How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!

    People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 36:7

2) and of your sin and failures.

6 …I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you. Nehemiah 1:6

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

3) that comes from following !

11 …Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.” I was cupbearer to the king. Nehemiah 1:11

7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. John 15:7

13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Philippians 2:13

8 …And because the gracious hand of my God was on me, the king granted my requests. 9 So I went to the governors of Trans-Euphrates and gave them the king’s letters. The king had also sent army officers and cavalry with me. Nehemiah 2:8-9

Lesson #3 – When God inspires us to do good work for His glory, He us what we to !

17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, 2 Timothy 4:17.

Lesson #4 – Doing good work for God’s glory doesn’t mean the road will be !

Questions to consider…

• What grieves you?
• How might God transform your grief into a passionate calling to do good work for His glory?
• Will you trust God to make a way for you to succeed?
• Will you persevere even when you hit roadblocks and challenges?