Sometimes life presents us with various opportunities to choose from, and how do we know which one to choose? I think this must be especially hard for those blessed souls who see everything as a shiny, exciting new possibility (love you guys!), or for those gifted in many different areas, but we all face the dilemma at some point.
On "Let's Make A Deal", people have to choose between multiple doors to receive their prize. If they choose wisely, it's a great prize like a car or a lava lamp. If they choose poorly, maybe they get a stuffed monkey. The problem is they have to rely upon themselves to make the choice of which door to open. How do you know which way to go?
We can learn from the life of Nehemiah.
Nehemiah was a cupbearer to the King, and by all accounts was good at his job - without complaint he was able to effectively and faithfully serve in the position he was placed in (people who served the King were not allowed to show any personal emotion - when in the presence of the King, it was all about the King). There's no indication that Nehemiah was looking for a way out of service. What changed for him was when men brought news that Jerusalem was fallen down and no one was doing anything about it. Now Nehemiah has a
burden that something must be done.
- Nehemiah had favor from the King because of his track record of excellent and faithful service to the King (a person he was enslaved to, not a King of his own country). Nehemiah had excelled at keeping his attitude and emotions in check, in performing his work well and in honoring the King. He was of good reputation! No matter what position we may find ourselves in life, whether we like it or not, we have the opportunity to build a reputation. What reputation are we building?
- The burden and pressing that Nehemiah feels to DO SOMETHING is channeled first into prayer. He cries out to God about it. He repents of the sins that led to Jerusalem's destruction. He brings to remembrance the promises God had given and he asks God for favor with the King and success at rebuilding the walls. He is asking God to open the right door.
Beyond asking God to open the right door, he proceeds to position himself back in the King's presence. This takes courage for Nehemiah because he is sad, and if the King notices this, he could be in serious trouble.
- Prayer must be accompanied by faith-filled action. Nehemiah doesn't shirk his job or responsibilities. He stays true, upholding his reputation
- He positions himself where he is believing for the answers to come from. He needs the Kings release and favor to go, so he positions himself before the King. He didn't try to make it happen on his own, he didn't run away to go it alone, he was praying and keeps himself in a position to be seen. He is waiting. Timing is important!
Nehemiah prayed to God and served the King for MONTHS before anything happened, from late fall to early spring. He went through the winter burdened with a vision.
- Persist! Stay strong, believe, pray and prepare yourself for when the door opens for you
The King did eventually notice Nehemiah's sad face, and asked what was wrong. Nehemiah respectfully, prayerfully, and boldly asked for all that he needed. The King's favor was there and he gave what was asked for plus more besides. Nehemiah had spent his time of waiting wisely. He had researched what would be needed, had considered the requirements, assessed the obstacles and he had a
PLAN. When the door opened, he would be ready. How are you preparing yourself for the vision in your heart? Maybe you need to get rid of debt to be ready. Perhaps your family needs to be put in order or you need to learn something new. What will be required of you to succeed?
- Nehemiah had such a detailed and clear vision of what success looked like! What prize are we hoping for behind the door we choose? Can you see it clearly?
May God bless you as your pursue the visions and dreams in your heart, and may you find His favor leading the way for you as you pray, persist and prepare yourself for the success in front of you!
