WANT WHAT GOD WANTS
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“Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.”
- Joshua J. Marine
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WORD FROM THE HOLY BIBLE FOR TODAY
Nehemiah 2:4 NIV
'The king said to me, "What is it you want?"'
REFLECTION
THE VISION WILL STILL HAPPEN AT THE APPOINTED TIME
The rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls began with two questions the king asked Nehemiah. The first question was 'What is bothering you' (see Nehemiah 2:2)? The second question was 'What is it you want' (Nehemiah 2:4 NIV)? Nehemiah replied, 'Send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it' (Nehemiah 2:5 NIV). Nehemiah knew exactly what he wanted, because a passion for it had been conceived in his spirit. He had been thinking and praying about it for quite a few months when the king asked him what he wanted.
A pastor writes: 'Few things are as miraculous as the moment of human conception. A sperm penetrates an egg, and all the genetic data that determine who you will become - everything from facial features to personality traits - is encoded within that single cell. And it begins a nine-month process of gestation. The mother's body starts producing hormones before she even knows she is pregnant. The baby's heart starts beating on day twenty-two. At four weeks, that single cell has grown ten thousand times larger. At around day forty-two, neurons start multiplying at the astounding rate of approximately ten thousand per second. Everything from the optic nerve to the auditory cortex to the respiratory system is being formed in the womb.'
And a God-given vision is conceived the same way. It begins small and keeps growing within you until the time of delivery. That's why the Bible says, 'The vision will still happen at the appointed time... If it's delayed, wait for it. It will certainly happen' (Habakkuk 2:3 GWT). So, the word for today
- By Alisrair Begg. Truth for Life
WE DIED WITH CHRIST
THE VISION WILL STILL HAPPEN AT THE APPOINTED TIME
Nehemiah 2:4 (NIV) says, "The king said to me, ‘What is it you want?’" This moment is significant because it shows how God was working behind the scenes to fulfill His purpose through Nehemiah. The king’s question was not random—it was divinely orchestrated. As a follower of Jesus Christ, this verse reminds you that: God opens doors at the right time when you seek Him faithfully. Prayer prepares the way for boldness and clarity when opportunities arise. God moves hearts—even those of unbelievers—to accomplish His plans. Five Important Matters to Build into Your Life with God’s Help A Deep Life of Prayer Before Nehemiah spoke to the king, he had already prayed and fasted (Nehemiah 1:4-11). Develop a habit of seeking God before making decisions. In every moment, whisper quick prayers like Nehemiah did (Nehemiah 2:4). Courage to Step into God's Calling Nehemiah didn’t let fear stop him from speaking to the king. Trust that when God places something on your heart, He will also provide the opportunity and resources to fulfill it. Boldly step into what God is calling you to do, knowing He is with you. Faith to Believe that God Moves Hearts The king’s willingness to help Nehemiah wasn’t just political—it was God at work. Trust that God can influence people, even those in power, to accomplish His purposes in your life. Pray for favor and believe that God will make a way where there seems to be none. A Heart for God’s Kingdom and His People Nehemiah was concerned about the broken walls of Jerusalem—he wanted to restore God’s glory. As a follower of Christ, seek to build—whether it’s in ministry, relationships, or personal growth. Ask yourself: What is God calling me to rebuild or strengthen in His kingdom? Commitment to Work with God’s Strength Nehemiah wasn’t just a dreamer—he was a builder. He took action. Be someone who not only prays but also works hard with God’s strength to carry out His will. Rely on the Holy Spirit daily to give you the energy, wisdom, and perseverance to fulfill your calling. Final Encouragement Just as the king asked Nehemiah, "What is it you want?", God also asks you: What is in your heart to do for His glory? Seek Him in prayer, trust His timing, and step forward in faith, knowing He is with you in every step.
Neven MacEwan
Heavenly Father, I come before You, just as Nehemiah did, seeking Your wisdom, favor, and strength. You are the King of Kings, and yet You invite me to bring my desires and needs before You. Lord, as You placed a burden on Nehemiah’s heart to rebuild, I ask You to place within me a passion for Your kingdom and the courage to follow Your calling. Build in me a life of deep prayer. Teach me to seek You first in everything, to pray before I speak, and to trust that You hear my every whisper. May my prayers align with Your will and open doors that no one else can open. Give me courage to step forward in faith. When opportunities arise, let me not shrink back in fear, but boldly trust that You go before me. Like Nehemiah, help me to speak with wisdom, act with confidence, and move in obedience, knowing that You are in control. Help me trust that You move hearts and circumstances. I know that You are the God who can change minds, open doors, and prepare the way for Your plans to be fulfilled. Give me faith to believe that nothing is too hard for You, and that when You call me to build, You will also provide the resources and help I need. Give me a heart for Your kingdom. Let me see the broken places in the world around me—whether in people, families, or communities—and stir in me a desire to be part of Your work of restoration. Show me where You want me to build, serve, and bring Your light. Strengthen my hands to do Your work. Let me not only pray but also act. Give me endurance, perseverance, and a heart that does not grow weary in doing good. When challenges arise, remind me that the battle is Yours and that Your grace is sufficient for every step of the journey. Father, today, I bring before You the desires of my heart. Just as the king asked Nehemiah, "What is it you want?" I know that You ask me the same. Lord, I lay my dreams, my burdens, and my calling before You. Shape them according to Your will, and lead me where You desire. I trust You, Lord, and I thank You for choosing me to be part of Your work. May my life bring You glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Neven MacEwan
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