Why not, me?

Imagine hearing troubling news about the church, or about a brother or sister in our community. Many of us would express concern, and we would likely gather in prayer for God’s deliverance over the person or situation. In honesty, it is far easier for us to say we would keep them in prayer and move on with our life than to roll up our sleeves and offer our help. After all, God can surely do something, with or without us!

Nehemiah’s response to the troubling situation of Jerusalem’s broken walls challenges our paradigms. While feeling greatly burdened about the situation, Nehemiah didn't just pray, he took further steps. He started from a humble prayer, trusted in God’s sovereignty, and thoughtfully planned his approach to the king. Perhaps most importantly, Nehemiah availed himself to God- in surrender. Trusting that God’s favor was with him, Nehemiah wisely and boldly presented his request – to be sent to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

Besides praying for God to deliver us when we hear bad news, or even praying that someone else will make the situation better, perhaps it's time for us to pray, “God, send me.”

We may struggle to avail ourselves fully from the onset. The prospect of being used by God can be frightening and we may even avoid Him in prayer. But in Nehemiah’s life, we see his dependence on God in this venture. Even as Nehemiah availed himself, he prayed, knowing that it is not about him, but rather, it is about God, who is at work through Him. As we pray, our hearts align with God’s heart. We share in His concerns. Gradually, we will find courage in God to humbly surrender ourselves to be used by Him.

While God acts sovereignly, we are invited to partner and join in His work. We are not presumptuous because “God is on our side.” Rather, we proceed with a prayerful heart, trusting that God will lead us as we follow Him closely. He will accomplish His purpose in all things. Ultimately, through availing ourselves, we experience the miraculous providence and hand of God working behind the scenes. God is truly not done working in and through us. Shall we avail ourselves to be the answered prayers?

Pray Together

As we pray, do we avail ourselves to God in humble surrender? It may have been a long time since we last prayed with such a posture; it may have even been before the start of COVID-19.

Do we fear being used by God despite having our own particular burdens on our hearts? Let's pray for our hearts to be aligned to His so that we may draw courage!