Should we plan and prepare, or should we trust and obey? Yes, we should! As we seek to serve the Lord, any dichotomy we place between the two is a false one.
A recent question and answer time at our sending church provided a perfect illustration.
William is the face of this plant, but what kind of systems do we have in place to support him?
Should we wait until we know every detail, or should we trust the Holy Spirit?
Both asked by brothers seeking the Lord’s will, these questions describe two sides of a coin that believers sometimes attempt to separate. In order to serve our Master’s purposes, we must trust the One who calls us AND use the gifts and resources He has given us.
The book of Nehemiah provides an excellent example of the same lesson. Prayerfulness combined with diligent effort permeates the opening chapters of its narrative.
Upon hearing of the Jerusalem wall’s destruction, Nehemiah received a great burden from the Lord (1:4). His first response was to turn to Him in weeping, fasting and praying for about four months (1:1; 2:1). As the Lord’s servant called out to heaven, he modeled the essential characteristics of prayer worthy of our emulation.
Nehemiah’s prayer recognizes God’s proper place. He appeals to a God who is greater than he is (and greater than we are), One who deserves reverential fear, keeps His word, and shows mercy. Acknowledging the power and majesty of Yahweh, Nehemiah seeks the divine lovingkindness revealed in Israel’s covenantal promises (1:5).
Nehemiah’s prayer recognizes mankind’s proper place. Simply stated, he understands the corrupt nature of every person, the truth that, even among the people of promise, everyone has sinned (Romans 3:23). His confession is both individual and corporate; admitting that his family and Israel have all failed.
Though no person will ever give an account in eternity for the sins of another, we must be honest about the way our personal transgressions affect those we love the most, including our families and our churches.
Jesus would later say that those who love Him will keep His commandments (John 14:15). No doubt, Nehemiah understood Isaiah’s prophecy of the Messiah and his declaration that all of Israel had gone astray like rebellious sheep, turning instead to plots of their own devising (Isaiah 56:6). Thus, the only hope for the wall’s rebuilding was Israel’s taking a repentant posture before the God against whom they had sinned.
Nehemiah’s prayer recalls God’s Word. Specifically, he prays Deuteronomy 4:25-31. He confesses Israel’s shortcomings and claims the Lord’s promises (1:8-9). Contrary to modern philosophy, claiming these assurances of God’s Word does not equal holding our Maker hostage.Rather, knowing that our Heavenly Father always does what He says, we should appropriately rely on His words with sincere gratitude.
Clearly, God took no offense to the Scriptural reminder. He heard Nehemiah’s prayers and blessed his efforts, allowing him to complete his building task in 52 days (6:15).
Do we pray this way for our lives and ministries? Do we first offer Him praise? Recognize His greatness? Acknowledge the privilege of serving Him in any capacity?
Do we remember to confess our own sins, as well as those of our church or nation? Seek forgiveness and restoration before we publicly declare our calling? Ensure that our lives are blameless before we seek to lead others to live for Him?
Are our prayers born out of Scripture? Do we selfishly seek His blessing without ever considering what He has already taught us? Ask Him to bless what is contrary to His teachings?
When we seek His kingdom and righteousness, He will provide what we need to do His will (Matthew 6:33). He did it for Nehemiah, and He will do it for us!
William Dooley is a teacher, campus ministry leader and church planter. He is the chairman of the board of directors of the Bivocational and Small Church Leadership Network (BSCLN).
