Conviction Gives Us Strength to Endure Hard Times

Nehemiah spent three to four months in prayer and fasting, seeking God and His will. Nehemiah never asked God to send him back to Jerusalem. He did not seek God’s blessing on his own plans. He sought God over this 3 month period and God revealed to him that He would use Nehemiah to administrate the rebuilding of Jerusalem.

Once Nehemiah was convinced of God’s leadership in his life he asks the king to participate in God’s will. This request would require a reversal by the king over an order he had recently given. Nehemiah prayed a short prayer and went before the king with his request.

The king not only granted his request, but he went beyond that. He gave safe passage guarantees and the promise of materials for the job. It was almost as if the king had in mind this project and was only looking for someone to take it over. Each request Nehemiah made to the king was granted.

When we become convinced of God’s call and leadership we need to be ready to see Him move others to support and encourage the work.

Nehemiah knew that these requests were an act of God and a confirmation of the work of God in his life. This confirmation of God’s work gave him confidence in the work he would now face. There were most likely many times in the next few months when Nehemiah would reflect on the call of God and the confidence gained from confirmation. These times of reflection would be the impetus for him to go forward in hard times against much opposition and in the face of great apathy.

When we become convinced of God’s call and leadership we need to be ready to see Him move others to support and encourage the work. We should also be prepared to endure opposition.