Scripture to Read: Nehemiah 2:1-9
When we consider that Nehemiah only had to wait four months before God answered his prayer, it was not a very long time to wait. Abraham was 75 years old when God gave him the promise of a son and to make him a great nation (Genesis 15). Abraham had to wait 25 years before God’s promise to him came to bear fruit (Genesis 21). Joseph was only 17 (Genesis 37) when God gave him the dreams of being a leader over all of his brothers and even over his father. But Joseph went through some incredibly tough trials for 13 years, also spending two years in prison before God’s vision came to pass; that became a reality when Joseph was 30 years old (Genesis 41). So, 13 years had gone by before Joseph saw God’s vision begin to unfold and it was 20 years before his brothers first bowed down to Joseph (Genesis 42). The Israelites were enslaved in Egypt for 400 years before God set them free from Egypt's rule. Moses was 80 years old before God used him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Time is relative when it comes to God and His handiwork. We must diligently pursue God and His Word daily. Whether God has us wait four months for something we’re praying for or 80 years, time is not the issue. We must always be about His work, walking according to His will, no matter what trials, tests, or tribulations we encounter. Our life belongs to Him.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about waiting on Him?
2. How are you currently serving our Lord as you wait on an answer to a prayer you’ve been praying for some time now?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!