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Reading the book of Nehemiah, makes me wonder; why God chose Nehemiah to be the spiritual leader, that leaded Israel people back to the dear relationship with God.
What had Nehemiah done, and what virtue he had; that made God use and bless him so much. I admire the relationship; I saw Nehemiah’s love toward God and His’s people. And I also saw how God answered Nehemiah with love, forgiveness, and mercy. Although, God did not speak directly to Nehemiah, like sometimes He did with Moses, Abraham, and others; but He let Nehemiah know that his Heavenly Father is with him, through the channel of prayers.
When Nehemiah heard the heart-broken news from Jerusalem, he fasted and prayed to confess his own sin first. And he plead to God to forgive the sins of His own people, as how God promised to Abraham and Moses. And then, God answered his prayer, through Persia king, to give him recourses and permissions to go back to Jerusalem, to rebuild the walls and the faith of God’s chosen people.
When Nehemiah was back in Jerusalem; not only he had to face the outsider haters that tried very hard to harm him and his works. He also faced the chaos of Israel people; they were having doubts, and fear; and they lacked faith to recognize that it is God’s will for them, to rebuild the walls.
Moreover, he faced the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod. As later how Jesus was murdered by spiritual leaders, high priest Caiaphas, scribes, and the elders; Nehemiah was also encountering life-risking situations. Because they tried to kill him too.
But Nehemiah, prayed to God. He asked God to remember the trials and trapes that he had been facing. So, he was able to discern the scheme, and had wisdom to know how to deal with it.
If I were Nehemiah, I must be so troubled and frustrated. Why are God’s own people not listening to God? And why they want to kill me, as I am just trying to help with sincereness? I would probably give up and run away. But Nehemiah didn’t.
He stood firm because he knew that God was with him. So, even though, it was a chaotic and dangerous situation; he had the inner peace, to face it. He knew God was with him, through prayers.
And how wonderful is that! I want to learn from it! God led Nehemiah’s faith, by not directly talking to him. But God guided him to know when he prays to God, God is there, listening. And yes, it is same as today. If I pray to God, He is here to listen. And He will give me the peace, because He loves me. And He is Love.
We warmly invite you to come to the True Jesus Church’s bi-annual Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation. See details below.
18-21 April, 2024 Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation
Thursday, 18 April, 2024 6:50PM to 8:10PM
Friday and Saturday, 19-20 April, 2024 9:00AM to 8:10PM
Sunday, 21 April, 2024 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Complimentary lunch and dinner will be served.
Please find our church location below:
4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
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For online streaming, please click here.
For regular service hours, please click here.
Email us at ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org
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