Spend time in prayer and silence with God asking Him to meet with you and speak to you.
Bible Reading
I went to Jerusalem, and after staying there three days I set out during the night with a few men. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem. There were no mounts with me except the one I was riding on. So I went up the valley by night, examining the wall. Finally I turned back and reentered through the Valley Gate. The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, because as yet I had said nothing to the Jews or the priests or nobles or officials or any others who would be doing the work. Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me and what the king had said to me. They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work.
– Nehemiah 2:11-12, 15-18
Devotion
In chapter two, we see the sovereign hand of God at work in the heart of King Artaxerxes. He not only gives Nehemiah permission to rebuild the city, but he agrees to give Nehemiah a blank check to pay for the project! After receiving the king’s blessing, Nehemiah set out for Jerusalem. He took several days to size up the work that needed to be done. Then he challenged the leaders of the people to begin the rebuilding process. They responded to Nehemiah’s challenge and the work began.
The Big Question
God has called each one of us to be involved in His kingdom’s work. Like Nehemiah, it requires faith and obedience to follow where God leads. What part of His kingdom’s work is God calling you to be involved in? What area of ministry are you most passionate about? What is your spiritual gift and how might God want to use it to expand His kingdom?
Conclude your time in prayer and silence reflecting on what God revealed to you today.