“Then I arose in the night, I and a few men with me. And I told no one what my God had put into my heart to do for Jerusalem. There was no animal with me but the one on which I rode.” – Nehemiah 2:12
Scripture reading: Nehemiah 2:9-18
On June 1st, we asked what our priorities are. Maybe you have realized areas where you have been living for the wrong things and, as a result, your life is a mess. So like Nehemiah, start with prayer and confession, asking for God’s help, and then roll up your sleeves and face the work before you. Some people pray, but that is all they do. Nehemiah saw the disgrace and went to see what needed to be done.
Nehemiah was not interested in mere appearances. He would not put new paint on a rusty car without first removing and repairing the rust. Nehemiah carefully and secretly surveyed the damage so he could take account of what needed to be done. In doing this, Nehemiah shows us the work of Jesus.
Revelation 2:1 tells us that Jesus Christ walks among the seven golden lampstands (which are His churches). This is good. Jesus walks among His church. Jesus sees where there is disgrace, and He knows what the needs are.
As we struggle, let us look to the Lord Jesus who knows the difficulties we face, to also supply, strengthen and restore our lives and His church. With the help of Christ, will you address areas of trouble and disgrace? Though it may be ugly and the task may seem impossible, keep your faith fixed on the good hand of God to strengthen you for His work.
Suggestions for prayer
Pray that the Lord strengthen you to look at what is in disgrace in your heart, to help you consider why it is so, what needs to be done, and how the Lord will help you.
Rev. Simon Lievaart currently serves Bethel United Reformed Church of Smithers BC. Prior to this, he served the United Reformed Church in Doon, IA. Rev. Lievaart grew up in southern Alberta, attended Redeemer University College and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.
