Pray and Work, the Inspiring Example of Nehemiahنموونە

Acting when the opportunity arises

“The king said to me, ‘Why is your face sad, seeing you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of the heart.’ Then I was very much afraid. I said to the king, ‘Let the king live forever! Why should not my face be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' graves, lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?’” (Nehemiah 2:2-3)

About four months had passed since Nehemiah heard about Jerusalem's hopeless condition. This news concerned him, but he apparently had not yet found an opportunity to speak to the king about the situation. One day, however, the king noticed that Nehemiah looked sad. Nehemiah was frightened; now he had to speak out in front of the king! With polite words and in general terms (without mentioning a specific place name), he told him that the city his family came from was in ruins. The king's response was brief but inviting: “What is it you want?”

That was the perfect opportunity for Nehemiah to seek royal help. He asked - and received - permission to go to Judah to rebuild the city. In addition, he was given letters of recommendation for unimpeded passage and building materials. That was probably more than Nehemiah had dared hope for! Gratefully, he concluded, “Because the gracious hand of my God was on me, the king granted my requests” (Nehemiah 2:8).

Nehemiah had sought God's help beforehand, and then waited for the right opportunity. Are there situations in which you do the same? If so, how do you know when the right time to act has come?