2. ASK Questions: Be Curious About Others

Nehemiah 1 tells us about the time his brother Hanani came to visit. Nehemiah asked him about the Jewish remnant who had survived the Babylonian exile and returned to Jerusalem.

Hanani answered, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire” (Nehemiah 1:3).

Little did Nehemiah know that asking Hanani that one simple question would propel him into his calling. The skies didn’t part with angels singing and little cherubs floating around his head.

He was simply curious about someone other than himself. He asked a question!

The second step in accomplishing our assignment is to be curious. Ask questions! Nehemiah wasn’t constantly begging God to tell him what to do. He simply served where he was and showed concern for other people.

Ultimately, God stirred Nehemiah's heart to compassion for his fellow Jews. I imagine Nehemiah was struck by the fact that he was living in Persian luxury while his fellow Jews were living in such dire circumstances – a city without walls.

Asking questions and showing interest in other people’s lives:

• connects us,
• turns our focus toward others,
• creates empathy and compassion, and
• opens our hearts to God and how He wants us to partner with Him.

It’s so easy to adopt the “me-myself-and-I” mindset when searching for OUR calling, OUR assignment, OUR mission, and OUR purpose. By staying focused on ourselves, however, we overlook the glaring needs of other people who are right in front of us.

Nehemiah is a derivative of “Nacham/yah,” which means “pity which becomes active in the interests of others.” It’s letting what breaks God’s heart also break ours and then doing something about it.

Don’t be discouraged if you don’t know your assignment just yet. Continue serving where you are, and stay curious! Engage with others and find out what needs people have. Ask God if and how He wants you to meet those needs.