January 20, 2012

Today's readings included the first couple chapters of Nehemiah.  Over the years I have grown to really love and appreciate this book.  I love the picture of answered prayer and team work that is portrayed.  For example in today's reading there is Nehemiah's fervent prayer to God to be able to go home and repair the city walls.  This prayer takes place in Autumn and in the Spring Nehemiah receives a favorable response. It's fun to see the clear answer to prayer and more enjoyable yet when it comes out the way you hope!  Not that the task at hand would be easy, but still the gracious hand of God in the events is so clearly evident.  I also think it is a good reminder that God's timing is always best even though waiting is rarely something we are fond of doing.  Then when Nehemiah gets home, the team work that is evident by family groups each working on a section of the wall.  What an awesome picture of leadership and teamwork.  As a whole the task would be somewhat overwhelming, but divided into sections and among many people a lot of work is accomplished in what appears to be pretty short order!