Today’s theme is found in Nehemiah 2:8, “the good hand of my God upon me.” Providence is the unseen hand of God guiding human destiny. It’s clearly illustrated in Nehemiah 2. Know that God is working now, even if you can’t see it!
Providence Arranging Opportunities
God is arranging opportunities for you. Nehemiah prayed and he waited. There are four months between chapter 1 and chapter 2. What was Nehemiah doing during those four months? Praying.
Nehemiah 2:4 says, “Then the king said to me, ‘What do you request?’ So I prayed to the God of heaven.”
It wasn’t a long prayer. He was caught up in the moment. Nehemiah quickly asked God to give him the right words and wisdom, and He did. God puts a premium on prayer and patience.
“Be prayed up so that when God gives you the opportunity, you are ready.”
One day, Nehemiah could no longer hide his sorrow. Why that day? Because God had been preparing the king’s heart. God is the God of the open door. He opens doors that no man can shut and shuts doors no man can open.
Nehemiah could only build when God gave him the opportunity. Paul said in Ephesians 5:16, “making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
You cannot run ahead of God, and you can’t lag behind. Be prayed up and spiritually ready when God opens the door.
Providence Administering Organization
God had already prepared the king’s heart, and he granted Nehemiah’s request. God was in control the entire time.
“Where God guides, He provides. Where God directs, He protects.”
The king essentially said, “If you mess with Nehemiah, you’re messing with me.” Nehemiah had both God’s protection and provision.
Every child of God has been sent on mission. There is a purpose, a work for you to do for King Jesus. Nehemiah knew he had been sent by the king, and he had a plan. For four months, he wasn’t just praying, he was also planning. He knew the time he would need, the letters to pass through different lands, and even made a request for timber. He had thought it all through.
“If we fail to plan, we are planning to fail.”
Good leaders plan ahead. If you aim at nothing, you’ll hit it every time. “A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps” (Proverbs 16:9). God honors good organization. Just look at creation. He is a God of order.
Providence Anticipating Opposition
Can you believe it? God sent Nehemiah to rebuild the walls, yet there were people who were not for it. Verse 10 says they were “deeply disturbed” over what Nehemiah wanted to do.
Paul said in 1 Corinthians 16:9, “Because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me…”
There were people who didn’t like Paul. There were people who didn’t like Jesus. That makes me feel better!
“Grant, anything that moves ahead will face friction!” – Chairman of Deacons, First Church
Don’t expect everyone to like what God is calling you to do. Anytime God is doing a great work, get ready for Satan’s attack. Opposition comes from both the outside and the inside. There will always be those who minimize, criticize, and try to discourage you when you are doing something for God.
Nehemiah was a man of vision and vocation. He was prayed up and prepared. He trusted the providence of God through his opportunities, in his planning, and even in the face of opposition.
Nehemiah was a man of vision, prayer, and courage. Through God’s providence, he was positioned, prepared, and protected for the work ahead. At Liberty Live Church, we believe God still works this way today. You’re not alone, you are in good hands with Jesus. Whether you’re facing uncertainty, making big decisions, or stepping into a new opportunity, God is with you. Plan your visit or connect with us today. We’d love to walk with you on your faith journey!
