In Romans 10, the apostle Paul makes an impassioned case that the gospel is good news for all people, but they need to experience it. Paul makes the case that as Christ followers it is our responsibility for the good news that we have been given, that gives us hope that grounds our lives, must be shared, embodied and expressed to people not just within our Christian community.
Often we have hopes and dreams in this world, but how intentional are we about pursuing them? Nehemiah is asked by the King, what can I do for you? And without any hesitation he shares a plan that God placed on his heart, and how it would all play out. Nehemiah shows a passion.
Jesus tells us in Matthew that we should ask, seek and knock when it comes to prayer and connection with God. Nehemiah takes this to a new level. When asked what he wants and is praying about, he gives not only a bold response, but an answer that he has clearly been praying about and thinking through for some time.
Nehemiah hears an update from back in the old country that breaks his heart. He stops what he is doing to pray a bold and heartfelt prayer for his people and city. He models a posture of following the Spirit’s prompting around prayer, and praying boldly.