Pray and Work, the Inspiring Example of NehemiahSample

Taking action while trusting God

“The God of heaven will make us prosper, and we His servants will arise and build.” (Nehemiah 2:20)

When Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem, he personally went on an inspection along the city walls. This gave him a clear picture of the situation. Then he called a meeting with “the Jews, the priests, the nobles, the officials, and the rest who were to do the work.” For this was not to be Nehemiah's private project, but a communal initiative.

Nehemiah told the people of Jerusalem how God had helped him and how the king supported his plans. Encouraged by those words, they decided, “Let us rise up and build!” Energetically, they took up the work.

The verse we read today is a wonderful illustration of the age-old slogan ‘Ora et Labora.’ Pray and work. These people rolled up their sleeves trusting that the Lord God would bless their work. They couldn't do it in their own strength. But neither were they idly waiting to see if God would intervene in their difficult situation.

Some people find prayer easier than action. With others, it's the other way around. What about you? How do you find the right balance between praying / trusting God and taking action?