Stop and Pray.
Reading Time: 5 minutes
Hanani, one of my brothers, came to visit me with some other men who had just arrived from Judah. I asked them about the Jews who had returned there from captivity and about how things were going in Jerusalem. They said to me, “Things are not going well for those who returned to the province of Judah. They are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem has been torn down, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.” When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven.
Nehemiah 1:2-4
I feel very convicted that I don't pray enough.
The story of Nehemiah is one of action; he is most famous for rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. We love to read about how Nehemiah hears of a problem and leads his people to solve it. We love to talk about how Nehemiah is a catalyst for change and action. We love to talk about how he uses organizational skills to accomplish such a big goal and rally others behind him to help. We love to talk about how he doesn’t get discouraged, despite the naysayers.
However, in reading a book my brother Pax gave me, I'm recognizing a truth we often skim over. Nehemiah doesn’t create his business plan first. He doesn’t recruit his core team or even cast his vision. The Bible says that once Nehemiah hears the news that devastates his people, his first instinct is to fast, pray, and present his heart to God.
Some of us would see this as wasting time. We see the opportunity and would just move. We see the solution and could seemingly get it done with ease. It’s easy to see a need and bulldoze to accomplish it, especially if that need seems dire. Nehemiah’s people are in great trouble and disgrace! They have no defense! This is a time-sensitive matter, but instead of forcing a solution in his own ability, Nehemiah’s first instinct is to stop and pray. Y’all, Nehemiah receives this message in the month of Kislev which, in Israel's annual calendar, rests between late November and early December. He presents to the king the idea of going to Judah in the month of Nisan which falls between late March and early April. Nehemiah prayed for four months before doing anything about this! And you know what’s even crazier?! When the king asks Nehemiah what’s up, the Bible says Nehemiah prays again before answering him!
Prayer is for us, not God. Like many spiritual disciplines, prayer is a method of reminding ourselves of who God is. God knows He is a healer. God knows He is a provider. God knows He is a way-maker. But, for us, things like prayer, worship, and even giving remind us of God. If you look at Nehemiah’s prayer in Nehemiah 1, it is mostly him making references to the covenant or promise God had already made to His people. They don't have to convince or remind God to hold His end of the bargain, they have to remind themselves that God is a promise keeper.
There’s so much we could study in this story of Nehemiah from a leadership standpoint, but I want to really zero in on how much prayer is circulating through this book. I don't care how many books you’ve read or how many tough leadership situations you’ve been through. It’s so arrogant to think we are good enough to handle the mantles God places on our lives in our own strength. If Jesus stepped away to pray every day, you need to pray every day, too. I'm not just yelling at y’all, I'm yelling at me. I want to pray and consult God more, even when I am 98% sure of how to move forward. I want to be intentional about praying before I fight. I want to be intentional about praying before I speak. I need God to be my leader and sustainer. Proverbs 16:3 says that if you commit your plans to the Lord, they will succeed! John 14:13 says that whatever you ask in Jesus’ name will be done by Him! In Romans 8:26, we are reminded that if we don't know what to even pray for, the Holy Spirit will interpret the desires of our hearts! James 1:5 says that if anyone needs wisdom, they should ask God because He will be generous to all and give what we need. We are sitting on a gold mine which is the power of God yet we still seek to move in our own wisdom.
Remind yourself of the promises God has already made in your life and don't allow the devil to distract you from the victory that is already yours. The only offensive weapon listed in the Armor of God is the sword, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6). Use what God has already said to combat what the devil is saying. If God is a deliverer, don't act like your bondage is too big for Him. If God is a way-maker don’t act like you have no options. This is one reason why prayer is such a major weapon. Prayer is a secret weapon to success because it’s like passing the ball to a player who is better than you. Prayer takes the weakest link out of the driver's seat. Prayer isn't just giving your requests to God, it's remembering that He can and will solve your problems. Prayer is being reminded that He is the one providing.
Take the time now to pray. Give God your cares and remind yourself of His power. Remind yourself of who He is and stop trying to play His role in your life. Humbly recognize your need for Him and get out of the way. Allow God to create your marching orders and I promise big things will happen.
Don't try to do this alone.
Join us at 7 pm ET tonight (Monday, February 6, 2023) on Instagram Live as we discuss this concept together!
(Instagram: @PesoPace)
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