Scripture Reading: Ezra 2:1-2, Nehemiah 1:1-11, Nehemiah 2:1-6, Nehemiah 6:1-4, Nehemiah 13:1-14
Nehemiah is often put forth as a model for Christian leaders to follow, and he’s not a bad choice. He was an ordinary person doing what God compelled him to do—thus accomplishing the extraordinary.
I love Nehemiah because of how simply and earnestly he relied on his relationship with God; he lived according to an unwavering obedience, doing whatever God put before him. Nehemiah had many opportunities to take an easy way out or to take the high road of prideful superiority. Instead, he took God’s path for him.
Here are some of Nehemiah’s specific choices that encouraged me.
Nehemiah heard the news of Jerusalem’s demolished walls, and he mourned the loss. If I’m honest, I might have heard the news about Jerusalem’s broken walls, been heavy hearted for a moment, and then thanked God that he had given me a more stable position in life. After all, Nehemiah was cupbearer to King Artaxerxes. But Nehemiah went to God with his tears and prayers (Nehemiah 1:4). He praised God and repented (vv.5–7), remembered God’s promise to be faithful (vv.9–10), and pleaded for success (v.11).
After asking God for his success, Nehemiah acted. Although he was fearful, he prayed to God and asked the king for a leave of absence (Nehemiah 2:1–6). When the king granted his request, Nehemiah didn’t frantically go about making things happen. With wisdom, he thoughtfully took his next steps. Even when he arrived in Jerusalem, he didn’t announce the big plan God had put on his heart. He carefully and thoughtfully executed it (vv.1–20).
Nehemiah defended Jerusalem from enemies with grace and courage (Nehemiah 6:1–19). But these enemies weren’t just outside the gates—he found dissension and injustice among his own people and division between them and God. He confronted corrupt leaders (Nehemiah 5:6–12), led the people back to God’s word (Nehemiah 9:3; 13:1–2), restored the temple, and ensured its leaders were properly taken care of (Nehemiah 13:4–14). It sounds exhausting and difficult, but as Nehemiah continually ran to God (Nehemiah 6:9), God gave him the wisdom, courage, and strength to accomplish every single task before him.
Through Nehemiah’s actions, we see God’s heart for His people. When we are obedient to God’s call like Nehemiah was, we also accomplish what is on His heart for others. His story reminds me that at every juncture, I have a choice to make: I can show up to walk God’s road and communicate His love to others, or I could sit back and pray half-heartedly that someone else will. The book of Nehemiah as a whole points our hearts to Jesus who, centuries later, became the ultimate servant leader, passionately devoted to His God and His people, moving heaven and earth to gather them to Himself. Jesus did what Nehemiah could not do: He brought true and perfect salvation, once and for all (Hebrews 2:10–17).
Written by Ginny Owens
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50 thoughts on "Nehemiah"
So many good comments today on a GREAT example of a Godly leader in Nehemiah.
I wanted to share that I got to have lunch with my friend Melanie this week, Andrew’s mom, who you all were so good to be praying for. We live about an hour from each other so had to wait for the school year to end to get together. It was so good to give her a hug and hear the whole story of their journey with his brain tumor diagnosis and God’s faithfulness in many small details. The tumor is basically in the lining/membrane around the brain, so surgery is not an option. But the shunt has relieved all symptoms, praise God! They will have MRIs every few months; we are praying it doesn’t grow. Or, you know, miraculously disappears.
If I could ask for prayers for my family – we’re flying today to England to visit my husband’s family (he moved to California for me 22 years ago). My older daughter (18) has a lot of anxiety in general, and feels sick way too much of the time. She’s been dreading the trip because she knows she’ll feel awful. My younger daughter (15) also gets anxious about traveling (more normal anxiety, not like her sister) and will likely feel sick and sometimes vomits. I’d love a smooth trip for us all. ;)
Love to you all!
Nehemiah is a wonderful example to us. He was obedient, humble, trusted the Lord, his heart broke and was grieved by wayward living and sin, and he prayed just to name a few. As shared by Ginny, “He was an ordinary person doing what God compelled him to do—thus accomplishing the extraordinary.” Most days I feel pretty ordinary but that does not disqualify me from seeking after the Lord in all things. Do I seek to live out the heart and action that Nehemiah displayed? To be intentional in prayer, pointing others to Jesus, to faithfully serve. Heavenly Father, lead me in your ways. Show me your heart and guide me in all I do. Amen
I would like to think that prayer is my first response to a crisis, but I know that in reality, I am much more likely to panic or plan before I turn to prayer. Nehemiah is convicting, as always.
Nehemiah reminds us that loving God doesn’t mean just feeling burdened. It means moving in step with God’s heart. It’s not enough to say, “I’ll pray for someone to help,” when God may be asking, “Will you go?”
The question we face today is: Will I sit back, praying half-heartedly that someone else shows up? Or will I be the one who says, “Here I am, send me”?
God’s road isn’t always easy. It’s filled with bricks to carry, walls to rebuild, and hearts to reach. But if we walk it, we’ll find Christ already there—leading, loving, and building through us.
Great comment.
Nehemiah had a heart for God and a heart for His people, so much so that he wept, mourned, fasted and prayed for some days.
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Then he turned to the God he knew, the great and awesome God – the One who redeems us and gives us strength.
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God heard, God answered.
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Do I see the state of the lost?
Do I see impossible tasks?
Do I fast and pray & mourn for others?
Do I go to God first, before acting?
Do I trust in God’s strength?
Do I faithfully do what God asks of me?
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All questions for me to ponder today.
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Have a lovely Friday my dear sisters!
I love everyone’s comments! Nehemiah was faithful! He did the work without fanfare just being a servant leader! The foreshadowing of Jesus the perfect servant leader.
May we continue to be faithful in our serve looking to Jesus as our example.
Praying for all! Have a blessed day!
Sometimes God has to put people in the palace like Joseph and Esther and sometime God has to get them out to accomplish his purposes like Moses and Nehemiah.
Some biblical personalities have had rebuild altars and temple and gates that are broken down. This is restoration of a connection with God.
We are all construction workers in the kingdom. Prayer is our building block. So many times we underestimate the power of prayer as the foundation of success.
Nehemiah balances the faith and works. He seeks God and that God connection gives him wisdom.
Great comment!
Good morning ladies! My anxiety got the better of me yesterday and I spent awhile crying over all the pain and suffering happening around me. I found out an old friend’s dad has been battling colon cancer and it has metastasized to his lungs. Please pray for my friends dad Dan. It gave me a lot of fear and anxiety about my own dad’s cancer journey and upcoming surgery. Also, my friend Sarah fell off a bike and will be having surgery today to mend her broken ankle. I am so grateful for this community who covers each other in prayer ❤️
Today’s reading reminded me of how important prayer is. I was convicted of not praying enough recently. Rather than letting my mind spiral over all the “what ifs”, I should take it to the Lord in prayer. I pray He comforts my mind. I hope everyone has a blessed day!
Yes, we need to go to prayer first, take every thought captive! Then cast our anxieties on the Lord. Fear is a common emotion, BUT GOD, we have him to cast it on!
Love that you are back with us regularly Taylor! Praying for your dad!
Taylor, I, too, pray our Father comforts your mind and spirit! The enemy knows right where to punch us! Like SEARCHING said yesterday, put on the armor of God! It doesn’t weigh us down; it lifts us up. I am paraphrasing, but you can read her post on Esther. ☺ Love you, lil sis, and pray for Dan, his family, and Sarah’s surgery and recovery. ❤
Praying for you my friend. May God take all your anxieties and give you perfect peace. Praying for your dad’s upcoming surgery, Dan and Sarah.
“Praying first” takes practice, the more you do it, the more it will happen. I would say we probably all could use more time spent in prayer!
I love that Nehemiah hurt for his people and nation, was so sad it propelled the King to not only ask but allowed him to leave his courtship to him! I have that sadness for our country. It seems it is more out of control as the years pass. (Although there is nothing new under the sun.)
He could have been selfish and stayed in the cushy, comfortable place he was. But he put his heartache in action AND WENT.
He went again when he discovered the evil happening in God’s temple. Standing up and fixing the issue. He heart followed after God and order for his house.
I have a choice to move for God, or stay still. Pray half-heartedly or fervously and fasting?! I can go about my life centered around myself and family or God centered! I can be lazy or get off my couch and go and be of use! (I say this b/c I want to go to homeless later today like every Friday, and then don’t!)
Lord, set me ablaze for your people, all people, those that love you and those that don’t have a relationship with you! You want to use us, it blesses us and them. We are pieces of the puzzle being put together! I want that to be my legacy. Not just a good person, but a heart on fire for the Lord. It is a turn off for many, but God, don’t let me get weary or discouraged in today’s society. They still need you they just don’t know how much. You don’t want us to quit or throw our hands in the air because it’s too hard, or not embraced by those around us. Give us opportunities Lord. And when you reveal—let us move. Go. Action.
Thank you Jesus.
Amen
I love Nehemiah’s zeal for God, His house, His people. He didn’t let even threat of death or physical harm or lies stop him…he kept at it and remained faithful. May I remain faithful to my God Who has been so faithful to me!
Oh Father God I repent for my heart not breaking for what breaks Yours. Please restore in my a right heart and bless the work of my hands. I stand in the gap for my children and family in this prayer as well. In Jesus name, Amen
Yes, standing in the gap like Nehemiah did for the nation of Israel!
“When we are obedient to God’s call like Nehemiah was, we also accomplish what is on His heart for others.”
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Amen, Ginny!
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EILEEN DOWD – hope all went well with your meeting yesterday.
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SUSAN BURLEY – continuing to pray for Seth’s recovery and wisdom for medical team at this new facility.
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LINDA IN NC – hopeful all went well for Gene yesterday. Praying your pain has subsided.
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Praying for the turmoil in this world, wars and rumors of wars. Lord, may Your peace fall on Your people in all the chaos.
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Everything went much better yesterday with Gene’s cath change! Thank you for your prayers, they mean so much. My pain has lessened some. I was able to go with Gene. And we both also got desperately needed haircuts. I may pay for doing so much but it was good to get out. I’m spending a lot of time with the heated rice bag and it gives me relief.
Thank you Lord for even the little things. (heart)
Praying for you both!
The heated rice bag is my friend, too!
So glad to hear that all went well! Continued prayers for you both! ❤️
This was @ Linda in NC.
Praying!
My son found a product online that can be heated or chilled and it is lavender scented. If anyone is interested, I can share more on Facebook Shes. ❤ So happy you had a good day yesterday and pray you don’t feel worn out or in pain from it today.
Right on, Kelly! ❤
Years ago there was a man who taught Sunday school class in my church (the best teacher I’ve ever had). He taught us how to study God’s word and how to love God’s word. I remember him teaching Nehemiah. Theme:the people had a mind to work. Jim still lives this out,even though he has parkinson’s,he still walks the walk. Happy 1st day of summer ☀️
Sandi, I am in a season of life where I am often reminded to verbally thank those that had an impact on my life. Spiritually or in any other manner. We so often save our words of encouragement and impact until they are too late. May I gently encourage you while Jim is still alive to tell him how much you value his role in teaching you the word.
I have,actually.
I have been doing the same! Sadly some of the most impactful were gone before I made the attempt.
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Lord may I be a Nehemiah in my every day.. holding fast, pausing, and trusting your timing in any given situation. May the gungho approach not be my default, but YOU,Lord God..
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Thank you Father God, Thank you that with you things fall into place, without you, oftentimes does not bear thinking about..
Thank you Father God, Thank you..
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BUT GOD…
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Amen.
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Happy Friday, my dears..
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Love, hugs and prayers, always..❤️
Love, hugs and prayers – right back to you Tina! ❤️
Hello!
I haven’t been commenting much- or reading many comments. Sorry! Life has been so crazy. But, just wanted to say I went to a Bridal shower recently and they had a game with famous Bible couples. Doing this reading plan really came in handy as I was all refreshed on who a lot of people were. I won! haha!
House update: They have not started on our house yet. I don’t know when they are. Our land is very full of brambles and they need to cut that back to see what the actual ground looks like. Hopefully that can happen soon, but we have no news. Thanks for praying in the past. Really means a lot to me.
A. Walton.. lovely to see you here. Sorry there’s not much movement on the house front, but reading between the lines… it is well with you and yours..
God bless you and yours, and may He continue to give you his peace, covered in His love..❤️
Thanks for popping in and the update. Continuing to pray for the housing and construction issues.
Praying!
A. Walton, I have been praying all along for the situation with the building, I was so hopeful that the work had begun. Sorry that it is delayed once again, I will continue praying!
GINNY OWENS, thank you for this compelling and convicting devo! Ginny said:
“I have a choice to make: I can show up to walk God’s road and communicate His love to others, or I could sit back and pray half-heartedly that someone else will.”
Ooh, that smarts a little, but is so very true. I am reminded of the apostles who dropped everything to walk the road with Jesus. Convicted again! I may never be a Nehemiah- rebuilding a city wall/gate, but I can commit to rebuilding fractured relationships, showing compassion to those with broken spirits, and hopefully drawing others back to God in the process. In His strength and time.
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Leeland – Where You Are lyrics
I can’t get enough
No I can’t get enough
Of Your amazing love
I can’t get enough
I can’t walk away
No I can’t walk away
From where I’ve seen Your face
And I can’t walk away
And I just wanna be where You are
I just wanna be near Your heart
There is nothing like Your love
There is nothing like Your love
Jesus I love You
With all the angels singing
Holy, Holy, Holy, Holy, Holy, Holy
Jesus I love You
Songwriters: Leeland Mooring
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
Cee-Gee, is this you? You are up early? Or am I late? Story of my life lately..:)
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So beautifully said my friend… and song choice.. perfect! (Clapping hands)
Much love..❤️
lol…or am I late! (laughing face). Don’t confuse us like this CeeGee! Searching hasn’t even posted yet!
Hahaha or TINA! ❤ You, my friend, are always on time! ❤
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Wow,CeeGee, you are way ahead of everyone! Hope you are well?
Thanks, Linda! I fell asleep quickly, woke up and couldn’t get back to sleep until 3, but then slept until 8!!! Thanks for asking! ❤❤❤
That line really got me too!
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