He was a man so practiced in prayer that when put on the spot sent a quick bullet prayer
Praying and fasting for four months
1:1 Chislev - Nov/Dec
2:1 Nisan - March/April
Hasn't yet heard a response from God, but was faithful in prayer
This should encourage us to pray greatly
God raises up people
Often He raises up individuals in a special way
He doesn't raise up the person that we might expect
God did not choose someone from the poorly defended city of Jerusalem but a rich man who is comfortable and well off a long distance a way
Although the men of the city built the walls in 56 days, the work was started by Nehemiah
God used him in his job
He was the king's cupbearer
It is thought he also had to look after the vineyards
Ancient documents also show that the cupbearer was considered part of the 'cabinet' and was second in charge to the king - a powerful and trusted individual
This man had not been corrupted by his position
His job was very secular - administration, politician
We can think that politicians are always corrupt but God raised up Daniel, Joseph, Esther (a Queen)
Do not deny the calling of others
God used his emotions
He had never been sad in the presence of the king before (v1)
People had to be happy in the presence of the king
He was a man of self control and constrained his emotions [over these 4 months]
We should be in control of our emotions
He had an unguarded moment and his emotion was revealed (v2)
He deeply cared for and loved the people of God
That emotion touched the heart of the king
Emotion is created by God and it is not wrong to display emotion (example of the Apostle Paul)
The Christian is not called to deny their emotion
We must be careful that we do not become numb and lack any emotion towards others
He was dreadfully afraid of what the king might do (v2)
Being sad in the king's presence often led to the death penalty
He did not lie or make any pretence to the king
God used his integrity and wisdom
He did not let his emotions overtake him and lose respect for the king
He was open, tactful and honest
We should not fear being honest and open, "speak the truth in love"
When asked by the king how he could help, he prayed to God
He is going to make a bold request of the
king, but would not do so without asking God
He had been likely been thinking about these matters for some time [remember 4 months]
He knew he would need letters of authority
He knew he would need time
He makes a bold request (v5)
He asks to go and rebuild the city walls - he does not leave or pass this responsibility to anyone else
Maybe God has a part for you to play in the rebuilding of the walls of the Church
He asks a heathen king for help in doing God's will
He asks for letters of authority for safe passage and materials
He asks for the essentials
There may be exceptions when Christians need to turn to others (e.g. the upkeep of a public building for the benefit of the community or for interaction with government)
God used him by amazing answers to his prayers
The queen was sitting in the king's presence (v6)
Maybe she was favourably disposed, maybe she was more sympathetic
God gave him more than he expected
He never asked for a king's escort but had captains and horsemen (v9)
He is favoured by God
God favoured him with opposition (v10)
Opposition may not be seen as a sign of favour
Opposition is often a sign we are doing the work of God
We do not solicit or want it
We must not see this as a sign that things are not going God's way
The people of Israel had to stand with a sword in one hand and a trowel in the other
