How do you know what you are called to do? Your calling and your purpose in life is significant and it is ordained by God. ” All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. ” (Psalm 139:16, NIV84) I think that there is truth that you find what you must live for when you find what you are willing to die for.
Nehemiah was a called man. His calling came about as a great burden when he heard news of suffering and tragedy of his people. He brought his burden to God and asked for favor with the king. Nehemiah was a cupbearer to the king. A cupbearer was a position of influence. The cupbearer was to be focused on the king. Going in unfocused could mean the displeasure of the king, Going in with a burden could mean the displeasure of the king.
When the king saw Nehemiah, he saw the sadness on his face and in his heart. Now Nehemiah came face to face with his calling and what he was willing to die for. “so the king asked me, “Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart.” I was very much afraid, but I said to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should my face not look sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” ” (Nehemiah 2:2–3, NIV84)
Nehemiah was willing to lose his life to share his calling for the people of Jerusalem. He prayed and the burden stayed. He prayed and found the strength to pursue his calling. “and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my fathers are buried so that I can rebuild it.” ” (Nehemiah 2:5, NIV84)
Several times, Nehemiah needed to face death to fulfill his calling and his purpose.
“They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it. But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat. ” (Nehemiah 4:8–9, NIV84)
“They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.” But I prayed, “Now strengthen my hands.” ” (Nehemiah 6:9, NIV84)
He knew what he was living for, and so became willing to die.
Nehemiah prayed. He told others about his calling. He planned for how he would perform his calling. He found others to join him. He step in example by continuing in the call in spite of adversity. He overcame. He fulfilled his call.
What burden is in your heart that won’t go away? Will you take a risk today and take a step to pursue it? Pray. Tell others. Pray some more. Make a plan. Pray. Begin to walk out the plan. Pray. Overcome the obstacles. Pray. Stay the course. Pray. See the fulfillment of the vision.
Comments
Powered by Facebook Comments
