Nehemiah’s Example

• Nehemiah’s burdened disposition varied so greatly from his norm that the king noticed (2:1-3).
• Prayer was such a consistent habit for Nehemiah that he stayed connected to God even when talking with the king (2:4).
• For four months, Nehemiah prayed consistently and planned thoroughly (2:5-8).
• While God and the king were favorable toward Nehemiah, that did not insulate him from opposition (2:8-10).
• God led Nehemiah in what he should do, but Nehemiah had to evaluate how to do it (2:11-16).
• Nehemiah mobilized a people with a confident trust in God and a compelling vision to go forward (2:17-20). 

Our Response

• Years of consistent integrity is what it often takes to acquire favor from another.
• The more you prioritize scheduled times of prayer, the more natural you will pursue spontaneous times of prayer. 
• There is nothing incompatiable about praying for God’s direction and planning your next steps.
• Anticipate resistance any time you plan on doing something for God.
• You risk nothing if you ambitiously attempt something God desires.

When God puts a plan together, there is no force powerful enough to stop it.