How do you respond to crisis? Nehemiah was personally affected by hearing the sad report of the condition of God’s people in Jerusalem. Overcome by the news he heard, he took on himself their trouble and disgrace, seeking God on their behalf. His ongoing prayer led to personal action. Like God Himself, Nehemiah identified with people’s pain, interceded for them, and his involvement made a difference. What about you?
When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.—Nehemiah 1:4
Prayer: Lord, our world is filled with hurting people. Sometimes it overwhelms us. Remind us to turn to You when we hear distressing news, to pray, and to become involved in alleviating distress and ministering to others. We want to follow not only Nehemiah’s example, but to follow Jesus’ example, who came for us when we could not help ourselves. In His name we pray, amen.
