Pastor Bell's Words To Live By

Long before Jesus told his followers that certain diseases are so ingrained and embedded in the psyche of certain individuals and in the generational lineage of others, that it is almost impossible to erase except by prayer and fasting (Mark 9:29), Nehemiah and his Jewish colleague knew the benefits of prayer and fasting and petitioning God. Therefore, after Nehemiah had fasted and prayed for 120 days, there was a difference in his appearance. When any individual changes what they do, there will be a difference in how they look and feel. Also, when anyone spends time in the presence of the king of Glory, their appearance changes, see Moses’ experience in Exodus 34:29.

Because Nehemiah looked differently, the king noticed it and decided to find out what was going on. On noticing the transformation in his appearance, King Artaxerxes really needed to know, since Nehemiah was his cupbearer and was the one responsible for tasting anything before he or the queen ate it. He could collude with an enemy to poison him! However, when the king approached Nehemiah, he saw this as his chance to put his case before him. Nevertheless, before speaking to him, he prayed under his breath and asked God for direction. He them laid out complaint and his pre-arranged plan in detail and on hearing it the king and Queen sanctioned it.

What can we take from this? Firstly, that prayer and fasting changed things.  Secondly, the king of kings sees our hearts and knows our motives. Thirdly, we must have a S.M.A.R.T plan. That is it must be Specific, Nehemiah wanted to rebuild the wall and gates around Jerusalem, v.5. Measurable, the king asked him how long it would take, v.6; Attainable, he asked for materials to do the task; Realistic, the Job was achievable within the timescale he set and finally when he completed the task he would return to serve the king (Time-bound).

Today, ask God for a plan to complete the task that he has called you to do, and read Nehemiah 2:4-10.