When the Time is Right

I don't know too many people who like to wait. I know I don't. If you think you are a really patient person, try standing in a check-out line that is moving slower than any other in the store and see how patient you really are. On some level, all of us are impatient; especially when we're convinced that we know what we're doing and the opportunity and timing appears to be just right.

Nehemiah felt a burden for rebuilding Jerusalem after it had fallen into serious disrepair while God's people were in exile. The condition of the holy city caused him to fall to his knees and weep and cry out to God (Nehemiah 1:4). He acknowledge his people's sin before God and how the consequences of their sin had played out (v.5-8). But he also claimed the promise that if the people obeyed God, he would restore them (v.9-11). Then is chapter 2, we see how Nehemiah used his position as the king's cupbearer; along with God's blessing to successfully petition the king to return and rebuild. But rather than jump right in and start working; he waited three days and then took some men with him to start the rebuilding process (v.11).

We would be wise to follow the steps of Nehemiah when we are faced with a significant endeavor in our lives. First he acknowledged the great and awesome God that he served and prayed for His attention and faithfulness (1:5-6). Then he confessed his own sinfulness and the sinfulness of the people and his desired to be restored and claim God's promises for those who are faithful (v.6-11). Then (and here comes the hard part) he waited until the time was right to begin rebuilding.

Think about the times when we come up with great ideas, but don't think through our plans before we act. Think about the times we surge ahead with our own plans and then ask God to bless them on the back-end. Or the times when we think the situation we face is either too big or too small for God and we don't include him. Or worse yet, the times we completely ignore God's all-knowing and all-powerful presence and think we know best how to proceed. Nehemiah was able to lead the people to confidently say "Let us rise up and build" (v.2:18) because he first sought the Lord's blessing, direction and timing before proceeding. May each of us do likewise.