Date: 01-30-15
Text: — Nehemiah 2:13-15 — 17 Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” 18 I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me and what the king had said to me. They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work. [NIV84]
The Big Idea: Sometimes casting a vision is as simple as catching a wave.
Sometimes casting a vision is as simple as catching a wave of opportunity. I’m not much of an expert on body surfing, but I have done it a few times, and even fewer successfully. What I quickly learned, however, is timing is pretty important. Timing my approach to get to the right place on the crest of the wave was the key. I’m sure the principle is the same as board surfing. Never mastered it, but I understand it.
Nehemiah caught a wave of opportunity after his inspection of the wall. Apparently, he said a lot more than he recorded here, but one thing is for certain about what he did say: He clearly identified the problem and offered a compelling solution. He shared the burden of his heart at a time when the Lord had opened the door of opportunity. He did not hesitate; he did not stutter. He ‘cast a vision’ of hope and promise—all based in a confidence that came from a life of prayer.
Lifestyle worshipers, for some of us, it is hard to know when the time is right, but I am convinced when we are in ‘constant’ prayer, an opportunity will open for us and the Lord will make a way for us to cast the vision of our burden! Being vigilant in prayer and alert to the circumstances takes a clear mind—a mind that is not worried or concerned of the ‘what ifs’, inadequacies and weaknesses of our ‘selves’, but a mind that is focused on the Holy One’s strengths. For in our weakness His strength is made perfect and complete.
Join me in catching a wave of opportunity being alert to its timing through prayer. Your thoughts.
Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts
— 1 Peter 4:7 (NIV84)
— Colossians 4:2 (NASB95)
— Ephesians 6:18 (NIV84)
Heavenly Father, keep me ever vigilant and alert to the opportunities You afford me to act on the vision You have burned in my soul. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Pastor Mike