Stop Complaining!
Nehemiah was the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes (446 B.C.). Word came to Nehemiah that his beloved hometown of Jerusalem was in shambles, and the wall of Jerusalem was in ruins. He was very concerned for the safety of his fellow Jews that survived the exile and were now back in Jerusalem. As Nehemiah pondered their plight, he decided there was only one thing he could do – pray! So, he prayed to the God of Heaven and asked for favor before the king “today”. A bold request that didn’t give God any advanced notice! But, sure enough, as Nehemiah was serving King Artaxerxes that same day, the king asked him why he looked so sad. As Nehemiah explained the plight of his hometown, the king decided to send Nehemiah to Jerusalem so he could rebuild the wall.
The reconstruction of the wall begins but is soon met by severe resistance from many of their enemies. Some people scoffed at the rebuilding, others threatened to attack the Jews. As a result, the Jews became discouraged and began doubting their plans. Their complaining became widespread, negatively affecting the rebuilding effort.
“We will never be able to build the wall by ourselves.” [Nehemiah 4:10]
However, Nehemiah didn’t become discouraged. He knew exactly what to do – pray! So, he prayed and asked God to thwart the plans of the troublemakers. Notice that Nehemiah didn’t try to take action against these scoffers. He left that up to God. And guess what? God answered Nehemiah’s prayer again!
When our enemies heard that we knew of their plans and that God had frustrated them…” [Nehemiah 4:15]
Nehemiah did what he knew to do. Then, he let God do what only God could do!
What about you? When tough times come (and they will), do you try to take action on your own? Is your first inclination to figure a way out of the situation in your own strength and wisdom? Do you grow impatient when things don’t go according to your own “battle plan?”
Try a different course of action! PRAY! You do the “natural” and let God do the “supernatural!” Let’s not confuse the latter with the former! Pray first and then let God do the rest!
