June 28, 2024

Author: Pastor Dave Miner
June 28, 2024

Reading: Nehemiah 1:11                                                Optional Reading: Nehemiah 2, 3, 4

“Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in honoring your name. Please give success to your servant today and grant him favor in the presence of this man!” [Nehemiah 1:11 Common English Bible]

 
A pastor told an interesting story about one of his confirmands. Sarah only wanted one thing. She longed for her teacher to let her work on her art project during recess, instead of sending her to play outside. She loved art. She enjoyed drawing and painting. Sarah was the class artiste! Now she wanted to practice her art even more.
Thinking about it, Sarah decided to study God’s Word to see if it would offer help. She came upon the story of Nehemiah and suddenly saw an answer. “God,” she prayed, “give me success with my teacher today. You know all I desire. You know why I desire it. Let me stay inside and work on my art.”
Sarah was doing something we all do. We want something. How do we get it? Some people manipulate, throw tantrums, shout, scream, beg, wail. Others will use money or gifts to get what they want. These are not effective ways of going about it.
Sarah chose a wise course. Go to God. Ask him to get involved. Tell him exactly what you desire. Then wait for the right moment. If God truly desires that you get what you want, he will grant it through the person you talk to.
What do you want? Trust God. Go to him first, and you will find him ready and able to help.

Jesus, help me to remember always to go to you first. Amen.

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