Dear Ones:
The Bible is filled with the “impossible.” The reason is simple: “The things that are impossible with men, (…and they are many), are possible with God. The question is, how does the impossible become actual, and realized? Perhaps Nehemiah can shed some light on the matter.
The first thing you notice in the testimony of Nehemiah (Neh. 1) is that he is a “painter.” He paints with very clear and distinct strokes of his brush. In other words, he declares clearly, and honestly, what the context of his circumstance is…and it is a most impossible one for the realization of his desires. He is in a foreign land. The situation at Jerusalem is one of disorientation and discouragement, dejection and delay. Some of the exiles have returned to the land. The temple has been rebuilt. But “…the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down.” (Neh. 1:3) In these very picturesque words is described the spiritual state, and context, of this “City of David” which was to be the testimony of the Everlasting God, the God of the earth. It has become just the opposite, with very little testimony of His blessing and glory. Nehemiah is helpless and hopeless…a servant in a foreign land. He is face to face with the reality of the “impossible…,” except that, there is God…a God who in fact hears prayer, and answers prayer. Indeed, prayer is the only recourse that Nehemiah has. If God doesn’t answer prayer, then there will be no expectation of the “restoration, revival, and rebuilding of the wall,” and the consequent evidence of the presence and glory of God. Can God find in Nehemiah a man who will DARE to believe Him for the impossible?
On this canvas where Nehemiah is painting this history, we find him “fasting and praying before the God of heaven.” (v. 4) Yes, Nehemiah takes the posture of one that is totally helpless, but at the same time, appealing to one who is able to do the impossible…hence addressing God as the “God of heaven.” He uses often the word “now” in his praying, as well as the words of God, His promises. He realizes that the key to this endeavor is a successful appeal to the authorities that be, to King Artaxerxes. And so, his prayer, his supplication, is that the Lord will prosper him THIS DAY, and that the King will grant him mercy, in responding to his request to go to Jerusalem and rebuild the wall. It is as he prays to the “God of Heaven,” that God answers his request, and the “impossible” thing begins to unfold. Why? Because there is a God in heaven who hears and answers prayer.
James, in his epistle, writes: “We have not, because we ask not.” This is the first reason for which we do not see answers to prayer…we just simply do not pray. The second problem, or hindrance, to prayer is selfish intent or motive, not praying honestly or sincerely. Are we seeking first the kingdom of God and HIS righteousness, His will…for the realization of His purposes? Nehemiah, in an impossible situation, was earnestly, honestly, desiring to glorify God. The rebuilding of the wall around Jerusalem was imperative to that end. So, he prayed…as did Elijah on Carmel. As Elijah did not stop praying until he saw the small cloud rising out of the sea, so Nehemiah would continue to pray, until the day, the moment, when the King chose to send him on his mission, and accomplish it.
Dear Father, give us grace never to be deterred by the impossible. Grant to us, on the contrary, to seek Thy face for that which Thou dost desire to do, and will do, in answer to prayer and faith. Strengthen our hearts to see You as the “God of Heaven,” sovereign over all, and for whom, nothing is impossible. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad