Working the Creators Plan

You are invited to watch the video, read the Scripture and reflect on the following questions for this weekends worship service. 

Scripture Reading: (Nehemiah 2:1-8, NLT)

“Nehemiah 2:1   Early the following spring, in the month of Nisan, during the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes’ reign, I was serving the king his wine. I had never before appeared sad in his presence.

Nehemiah 2:2 So the king asked me, “Why are you looking so sad? You don’t look sick to me. You must be deeply troubled.” Then I was terrified, Nehemiah 2:3 but I replied, “Long live the king! How can I not be sad? For the city where my ancestors are buried is in ruins, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.”

Nehemiah 2:4 The king asked, “Well, how can I help you?” With a prayer to the God of heaven, Nehemiah 2:5 I replied, “If it please the king, and if you are pleased with me, your servant, send me to Judah to rebuild the city where my ancestors are buried.”

Nehemiah 2:6 The king, with the queen sitting beside him, asked, “How long will you be gone? When will you return?” After I told him how long I would be gone, the king agreed to my request.

Nehemiah 2:7 I also said to the king, “If it please the king, let me have letters addressed to the governors of the province west of the Euphrates River, instructing them to let me travel safely through their territories on my way to Judah. Nehemiah 2:8 And please give me a letter addressed to Asaph, the manager of the king’s forest, instructing him to give me timber. I will need it to make beams for the gates of the Temple fortress, for the city walls, and for a house for myself.” And the king granted these requests, because the gracious hand of God was on me.”

Reflection Questions:

1. Why do you think Nehemiah asked the King permission to go to Jerusalem?
2. Compare this to a time in your life where you felt called to do something and had to step out in faith. What obstacles were in your path to move into action?
3. What was the opposition that Nehemiah experienced in living out his call?