Prayerful Preparation

Proverbs 16:9 says “The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”

Have you become the prayer warrior this past week like Nehemiah? I know I have given extra, knee-time……….but look back at Chapter 1 of Nehemiah. What happens after Nehemiah prayed? NOTHING!!! Well, at least not right away. After studying a bit more closely this week, I have learned that Nehemiah’s story opens in the month of Chislev (December) and resumes in the month of Nisan (April). Therefore, there were four months of where nothing seemed to happen.

Well, nothing outwardly was happening! Nehemiah was doing more than just praying for those four months……he was planning. Planning means that Nehemiah had faith that God would indeed open the door to his prayer. He knew God would let him go!

Taking a leap of faith doesn’t mean you are going out in a disorderly, fly-by-your-seat manner. You must think through the project and count on the cost. You must think through the questions and do your homework!

Read back at Nehemiah 2:7-9. These are practical and well planned out request from Nehemiah. God will honor this type of planning, as he did for Nehemiah. Wise planning on our part gives the Lord more opportunity to accomplish His goals. And if the best plan is missed, I would sure hate to know that it was because I failed to put prayerful preparation behind the actions!

Something to think, pray, and plan about…………