Daily Encouragementنموونە

Nehemiah is an outstanding example of a man concerned for the condition of the city of God and the people of God.

The concerned seek information about the real state of things: “I questioned them . . . about Jerusalem.” Nehemiah could easily have been indifferent and could have hidden behind his circumstances, but he had a burden and he wanted to know the truth. And when they spoke of “great trouble and disgrace,” of a broken wall and gates burned with fire (Neh. 1:3), he knew he was hearing it.

The concerned pray with compassion: “For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven” (Neh. 1:4). They do not pray easily or as a matter of rote. Their hearts are in their prayers, and there is a mighty sweep about them, even though they are concerned with specific situations. They always begin with God and his glory. They plead his promises. They remember his redemption. They expect his answer.

The concerned offer themselves to the Lord. They make themselves available, however much their circumstances would seem to interfere with the practicalities of the situation: “‘Give your servant success today by granting him favour in the presence of this man.’ I was cupbearer to the king” (Neh. 1:11).

Revival begins with the concerned.