Jeremiah 2
God wants us to join in His work. The word “work“ appears 17 times in the first 7 chapters. In John 4:34 Jesus says He is to finish the work of the One who sent Him.
How do I pursue God’s mission for my life?
Be willing to wait (Nehemiah 2:1). … The month of Nisan (not Nissan) corresponds to April. It took Nehemiah four months before he could ask the king for permission to go rebuild the walls. Galatians 4:4 says when the time was right, God sent His Son. … God works on His own timing, not ours. …
Face your fears (Nehemiah 2:2-3). … Nehemiah appears sad in front of the king. The king asked why Nehemiah was sad. Nehemiah was sad because Jerusalem was in ruins. He was also extremely fearful because the king had ultimate power and if someone made the king sad, he could have that person killed. Nehemiah was afraid he would make the king sad because he himself was sad, and also because he was to ask the king to reverse a decree he made about twenty years ago.
Pray for guidance (Nehemiah 2:4-5). … Nehemiah prayed between the time the king asked the question and Nehemiah answered. My pastor calls this type of prayer “roman candle prayers” because they are quick prayers sent up to God.
Trust God to provide for your needs (Nehemiah 2:6-9). … God provided resources and protection for Nehemiah through the king’s influence.
Count the cost (Nehemiah 2:11-16). … Nehemiah examined the walls and gates. He could not make it all the way around the city though because some of the rubble blocked his way. He wanted to know how much it would cost to rebuild the wall. … Luke 14:25-30 tells us there is a cost to following Christ. Following Christ is not a casual endeavor; it requires full effort.
Network (Nehemiah 2:17-18). … Nehemiah finally tells others his vision and gets them to help. He examined the cost on his own, but he does the work with others.
Expect opposition (Nehemiah 2:19). … They faced opposition from the powers all around them. The opposers tried to twist Nehemiah’s motives and ridiculed and mocked him and those helping him … Archaeologists have recovered other documents that confirms the names of the governors and kings mentioned in this verse.
Be confident the purposes of God will succeed (Nehemiah 2:20). … Nehemiah has great confidence in the purposes God called him to do. He knew everything on this world is ultimately temporary. There are three things that will last forever: God, the Word of God, and the Son of God. Build your life on those three things.