We find Nehemiah praying and asking God to give him an opportunity before the king.
God opens the door:
Nehemiah 2:2
so the king asked me, “Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart.”
Right here is where we can often fail. Afraid to speak the truth. Uncertain about how the truth will land.
But Nehemiah tells the king he is sad because the city of his ancestors is broken down. Courage!
Then this happens:
Nehemiah 2:4
king said to me, “What is it you want?”
Then I prayed to the God of heaven,
The moment of truth. The opportunity he had been praying for. All those tears, his anguish, and pain. The king is offering to help. What will he say?
Wisely, Nehemiah prays. He asks God for help, wisdom, and courage to make the big ask.
Verse 5:
5 and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my fathers are buried so that I can rebuild it.”
Wow! He did it. He did not shrink back. He didn’t minimize or all the other things we may have done in the king’s presence.
As you continue to read this text, you will find he asks for resources, protection, and the right to do the things that need to be done. The king grants them all.
God opened a door, and Nehemiah prayerfully and courageously walked through it.
How should we act when God opens a door for us? Nehemiah sets a powerful example of faith, courage, dependence, and honesty.
Father, help us to trust you even with your open doors.
