Prepared for God’s Purpose: Insights from Nehemiah | Pastor Paula White Cain | City of Destiny
Let’s explore Nehemiah 2:1-20. Although I didn’t print it large enough, I’ll manage with my glasses today. Don’t worry, it won’t be long, but it will be impactful.
In the month of Nissan, during the 20th year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was brought to him, I, Nehemiah, took the wine and gave it to the king. Remember, Nehemiah was a political figure, serving the king, while Ezra was a priestly figure. Both were instrumental in the restoration process after the temple had been rebuilt. Now, we are witnessing the rebuilding of devastated cities and a nation in ruins.
This echoes the prophecy from Isaiah 61, where God promises to rebuild the ancient ruins and restore desolated cities. I believe a great revival is on the horizon. This revival will not be about going into captivity, but about God using His Church to bring restoration. However, the question remains: Are we prepared for revival? Are we ready for a powerful move of God?
Nehemiah was about to be used to restore Jerusalem, the city of peace and safety, and, in doing so, rebuild the nation of Judah. As Nehemiah shared with the king, “I had not been sad in his presence before, but the king asked me, ‘Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can only be sadness of the heart.'” Nehemiah was afraid because, in the king’s presence, such emotions were considered dangerous. However, Nehemiah responded with wisdom, saying, “May the king live forever. Why should my face not look sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?”
The king, noticing Nehemiah’s concern, asked what he needed. Nehemiah, after praying to the God of heaven for guidance, responded, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in your sight, let him send me to Judah to rebuild the city where my ancestors are buried.” The king, with the queen beside him, asked how long the journey would take and when Nehemiah would return. Nehemiah set a time and, with the king’s approval, requested letters for safe passage and timber for the gates and city wall.
Because God’s gracious hand was upon him, the king granted Nehemiah’s request. This is a powerful reminder that when God’s favor is on you, you’ll receive answers to your prayers, and it doesn’t matter who opposes you. Divine favor from God overrides all obstacles. As Nehemiah went forward, the king sent officers and cavalry for protection.
However, when the enemies of Israel—Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab—heard about the favor Nehemiah had received, they were disturbed. Their opposition arose because Nehemiah had come to promote the welfare of Israel. Sanballat represents the enemy (Satan), Tobiah represents religious opposition, and Geshem represents the world system. Whenever you seek to do good in the name of God, you will stir up resistance.
But remember, we don’t wrestle against flesh and blood. Our struggle is against principalities, powers, and spiritual forces of evil. When God’s favor is on your life, it will bring both divine blessings and spiritual opposition. Be ready to face challenges, but also be confident that God has already prepared you to overcome.
