Nehemiah - Faithful Builder

1The words of Nehemiah son of Hakaliah:

In the month of Kislev in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa, 2Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that had survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem.

3They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.”

4When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. 5Then I said:

“Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 6let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you  (Nehemiah 1)

Thoughts: Nehemiah sought to listen.  He listened to the people who had gone back to Jerusalem.  He listened to God- in prayer.  One of the best way Nehemiah listened was in confession in prayer.  When we confess our sins, we clear our mind and clean and tighten our relationship with God.
     God told Nehemiah, a cup bearer, to go to Jerusalem and rebuild its walls.  Nehemiah left, not having been trained, but having been called by God to rebuild.  He did it with great skill.  We too should listen for God's call upon our lives.  It comes sometimes in strange ways, but it comes.  

Prayer: Lord, let me your voice in scripture, through your people, and in the opportunities and providences you provide for me.