Devotional – Preparing for giving (Day 2)
“When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven… Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.I was cupbearer to the king.” Neh. 1:4, 11
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Prov. 16:3
When Nehemiah heard about the state of Jerusalem, the first thing he did before taking action was to pray. All of chapter 1 recounts Nehemiah’s prayer, which shows his distress over Jerusalem’s condition, but also his confidence that God could act graciously through his life.
As we prepare to give on “Legacy Day,” we encourage you to pray for:
Clear direction: Before acting in your own strength, we encourage you to “Commit to the Lord whatever you do” (Prov. 16:3). May the Holy Spirit place in your heart how and what to do in order to give. Seek God’s guidance as you consider your legacy and how you can contribute to this special building project.
Confidence in God: Nehemiah’s position was not easy; he was the king’s cupbearer, a servant. Nehemiah himself recognized his situation: “For I was the cupbearer.” But he was fully aware that God’s intervention was more powerful than his “cupbearer” status. Nehemiah wanted to do something, but he had a “limiting factor.” Perhaps you find yourself in a similar situation: you want to be part of giving, but you face limiting factors at the moment. Pray that the Lord will bless and intervene in your life so that, despite your circumstances, you can be a blessing.
We believe that any decision we make, no matter how small, should be guided by prayer. Will you pray today for the Lord to show you how you can be a blessing on Legacy Day? There is something only you can contribute, and we encourage you to discover it in the Lord.