Advent Devotional - 21st Day

Saturday, December 17th. 2011

Written by: Barbara Johnson

Readings: Nehemiah 1:1 - 2:8, 6:15-16, 13:10-22

In these verses from Nehemiah, we meet a man who has faith that his prayers will not only be heard, but answered. He loves his fellow Israelites, and he loves his God enough to risk his life for both.

When we pray do we expect our petitions to be answered –on our timeline? In this day of instant gratification, are we patient while waiting for God’s answer? Do we know for certain that God is always available to guide us in our everyday life?

Nehemiah asked in prayer that he be instrumental in restoring the Israelite’s dignity and rebuilding the wall surrounding Jerusalem. This wall had lain in ruin for nearly 150 years. Yet the entire reconstruction project – Nehemiah’s prayer answered – took only 52 days. Now that is a prayer answered!

Whether our prayers are answered in days, or years, our faith must lead us to know that our heaven sent petitions will be answered by our trustworthy God .

Dear Lord, open our ears to listen for your answer to our prayers, and the patience to wait for those answers – on your timeline. Amen.

Family Moments:
Saturday: Week 3, Nehemiah, Return and Rebuilding, City Wall
(1:11) Nehemiah wanted to rebuild the wall around the city of Jerusalem, to bring honor to God & God’s people. Nehemiah wasn’t even in Jerusalem, and he had many obstacles in his way – getting time off from his job, safe travels, and procuring the materials, to name a few. But Nehemiah knew this was what God wanted and prayed to God for success. And guess what? God answered Nehemiah’s prayer – and gave Nehemiah success, faster than anyone could have imagined. Get some blocks/sticks/legos and see who can build the fastest tower. Then work together using your blocks to build a sturdy wall. Share your ideas of what it would have been like to work on the wall of Jerusalem with Nehemiah. Color the ornament and add it to your Jesse Tree.